USWNT Lineup Predictions: Stakes Rise with 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on the Horizon
The US Women's National Team (USWNT) wrapped up its first international window of 2026 with a resounding 6-0 thrashing of Paraguay, showcasing an experimental squad that has been shuffled in recent times. Despite the constant changes, head coach Emma Hayes has used this opportunity to bring in fresh faces and test new combinations.
The search for a new No.1 goalkeeper is ongoing, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce appears to be safely in pole position. Her impressive performances with Manchester United have solidified her spot as the team's top choice. Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey are also in contention for the starting role, but it remains to be seen who will get the nod.
One thing is certain - Naomi Girma is a must-have player in the backline. The 22-year-old has established herself as one of the world's best at any position, offering poise in possession and vital line-breaking distribution. With Emily Fox emerging as a top contender for the right-back spot, the competition is fierce.
The midfield has been a relative weak link for the team, but with the likes of Lily Yohannes and Sam Coffey on board, there's reason to be optimistic. Rose Lavelle remains an invaluable asset, but her availability will depend on her health. A three-man midfield, with Heaps and Coffey providing support to Lavelle in a fluid setup, could prove to be a winning formula.
Trinity Rodman has emerged as a key player, captaining the national team for the first time this window. With Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson returning from maternity leave, the "Triple Espresso" is back on the menu. Catarina Macario's role will be crucial in bridging the gap between midfield and forward lines, but her performances may not be enough to secure a consistent spot in the starting lineup.
With so many talented players vying for spots, Hayes faces a daunting task in building a balanced squad that can take on the world. Will Tullis-Joyce start against Canada? Will Girma and Fox pair up at right-back? Can Lavelle and Heaps form a midfield trio? The answers will become clearer as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approach.
The US Women's National Team (USWNT) wrapped up its first international window of 2026 with a resounding 6-0 thrashing of Paraguay, showcasing an experimental squad that has been shuffled in recent times. Despite the constant changes, head coach Emma Hayes has used this opportunity to bring in fresh faces and test new combinations.
The search for a new No.1 goalkeeper is ongoing, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce appears to be safely in pole position. Her impressive performances with Manchester United have solidified her spot as the team's top choice. Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey are also in contention for the starting role, but it remains to be seen who will get the nod.
One thing is certain - Naomi Girma is a must-have player in the backline. The 22-year-old has established herself as one of the world's best at any position, offering poise in possession and vital line-breaking distribution. With Emily Fox emerging as a top contender for the right-back spot, the competition is fierce.
The midfield has been a relative weak link for the team, but with the likes of Lily Yohannes and Sam Coffey on board, there's reason to be optimistic. Rose Lavelle remains an invaluable asset, but her availability will depend on her health. A three-man midfield, with Heaps and Coffey providing support to Lavelle in a fluid setup, could prove to be a winning formula.
Trinity Rodman has emerged as a key player, captaining the national team for the first time this window. With Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson returning from maternity leave, the "Triple Espresso" is back on the menu. Catarina Macario's role will be crucial in bridging the gap between midfield and forward lines, but her performances may not be enough to secure a consistent spot in the starting lineup.
With so many talented players vying for spots, Hayes faces a daunting task in building a balanced squad that can take on the world. Will Tullis-Joyce start against Canada? Will Girma and Fox pair up at right-back? Can Lavelle and Heaps form a midfield trio? The answers will become clearer as the 2026 World Cup qualifiers approach.
I'm loving how Emma Hayes is shaking things up with this experimental squad, but at what cost? With all these changes, it's hard to see a clear direction for the team right now 
. And can we talk about how inconsistent the midfield has been lately? It's like they're stuck in neutral 
. Give me something, any something, that says "we've got this" and I'll be on board 
. The players they have are so talented, but it feels like they're still finding their footing. Bring on the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and let's see if Hayes can iron out all these wrinkles 
She's gotta find that balance between trying out new faces and keeping it real with the stars like Lavelle and Rodman. And seriously, who is this Phallon Tullis-Joyce all about? I mean, I've heard of her but she ain't exactly blowing people away... 
️
. Emma Hayes has been doing an amazing job so far, but building a balanced squad that can take on the world is gonna be a tough task 
. Phallon Tullis-Joyce seems solid at No1 goalkeeper, and Naomi Girma is definitely a must-have in the backline 
. But with so many new faces and changes to the lineup, I'm worried they might get caught out by some stronger teams 
. Still, I got faith in Emma Hayes and her squad - they'll figure it out and look fierce at the 2026 World Cup 
!
, remember how confident they were with their solid squad? Nowadays, it feels like they're going through so many changes and trying out new players. I hope Phallon Tullis-Joyce stays put as goalkeeper though 
Hopefully, Emma Hayes gets it sorted and they can get back to that winning formula 
, with all these changes on the USWNT squad, it's gonna be super interesting to see how they come together for the World Cup! Who knows what lineup Emma Hayes will go with? With so many talented players competing for spots, I'm curious to see who'll make the cut. Tullis-Joyce seems like a solid pick as goalie, but Mandy McGlynn is also looking strong 
phallon tullis-joyce is defo the no1 goalie for now, but what about all the other talented young guns? like, cant we just mix it up a bit in the backline already? girma & fox are both ballin' atm, lets see some more of that magic 
, but Mandy and Claudia are keeping her on her toes 
. And I'm loving the competition at right-back between Emily Fox and Naomi 
! Rose Lavelle is still our queen in the midfield though 
, but it'll be sick to see her in a 3-man setup with Heaps and Coffey 
. Trinity Rodman's been on fire as captain, and I'm hyped for Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson returning from maternity leave 
! Can't wait to see how this all plays out before the World Cup qualifiers 
! Emma Hayes is like the ultimate casting director, bringing in fresh faces and testing new combinations – it's like a never-ending game of musical chairs 
. But seriously, with all these talented players vying for spots, I'm rooting for whoever can help the USWNT bring home that World Cup trophy 
.
! And with Catarina Macario's skills, I think they could really make some magic happen up front 
. But yeah, it's gonna be tough to figure out who starts and who sits on the bench... 
But at the same time, I'm a little worried about the midfield - we don't want our team to get too predictable, right? 
, and it got me thinking about music in general. Like, have you guys ever noticed how some songs can transport you to another time and place? I mean, I was listening to this old Fleetwood Mac album the other day, and suddenly I was back in my grandma's house, driving around with her on a road trip when I was like 10 
. It's wild how music can do that, right? And speaking of weird, has anyone else tried that new ice cream shop downtown? I heard their flavors are, like, whoa 
and Sophia Wilson/Mallory Swanson are gonna bring some much-needed energy to that midfield. But seriously though, who's gonna fill Catarina Macario's shoes? 
I'm hyped for these 2026 World Cup qualifiers, it's gonna be intense!