Emma Hayes has called in her roster for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup and it gives a glimpse into the state of the USWNT heading into a year that will conclude with World Cup qualification. She called in a strong, experienced roster with no uncapped players and some key positions that can be solidified with good performances in the tournament. The players who are and are not included say a lot about those players and about how the team is shaping up this year.
OUT
Some of the players who are not in the picture
have been in recent callups or might have been expected to get a look for the Cup have some work to do in order to make future rosters.
Croix Bethune – After making the roster for the Olympics the midfielder got two caps in 2025 and made the field in both of the USWNT matches in January. Bethune has some work to do if she wants to fit into the aggressive style Hayes needs in the midfield and for now will be sitting on the bubble when it comes to making the national team unless she steps up in the NWSL this year.
Sophia Wilson – The striker isn’t ready yet but that can change. Wilson is aiming for an NWSL opening day return but won’t get a chance to train with the USWNT for the SheBelieves Cup. The striker depth is decent but with her skill and fit in Hayes’ system well established, she can still be in the picture for upcoming callups.
Korbin Sharder – The young midfielder is still out of the picture. With the European season in full swing and players representing clubs in France and the UK featuring on the roster, Sharder being left off the roster firmly puts her on the U-23 squad at this time. She has been inconsistent with the senior team and hasn’t seen the field for the USA since April of 2025.
IN
Some players are making a return after being absent from the team or did well enough in recent callups to earn a place on the team. Those spots are looking more solid but depth around the field will make claiming an ongoing role with the team a challenge.
Jameese Joseph – The midfielder will have a chance for her third cap following her first international goal against Chile in January. She obviously did enough to get another look and it seems like Hayes wants to get a clear picture of options for striker this year.
Claire Hutton – Hayes set high expectations for the midfielder in January and she has met them. The midfielder is here to stay. In general the midfield depth is a big strength of the team and the 20 year-old just made a huge move to Bay FC from the KC Current in a deal worth $1.1 million. It will be no surprise seeing her anchor the midfield throughout the Cup.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce – The goalkeeper is back in the picture and has played well for the national team. That said, she has work to do to start over Claudia Dickey who made six starts in 2025 and one this year.
