USA women's soccer team at FIFA World Cup 2023: Meet all the USWNT players in Australia and New Zealand | Sporting News (2024)

The United States women will go for history Down Under this summer, as they travel to Australia and New Zealand hoping to become the first team to win three World Cup titles in a row.

Having triumphed at the 2015 and 2019 Women's World Cup tournaments, the USWNT now gun for an unprecedented threepeat, as Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, and the rest of the 23-player roster looks to defend their No. 1 ranking in the FIFA standings.

While the team is an experienced one loaded with talent, it still lacks savvy at this stage, as there are 14 players making their Women's World Cup debuts.

The Sporting News brings you a brief glance at every player on the USWNT roster for the 2023 Women's World Cup, including their vitals as well as a look at their careers for both club and country, and what their role is expected to be at the tournament.

MORE:Who is the best player at the 2023 Women's World Cup?

USWNT roster for 2023 Women's World Cup

The following 23 players were called into the United States squad for the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

There are some glaring omissions due to injury, as the likes of Becky Sauerbrunn, Mallory Swanson, Christen Press and Catarina Macario were unable to pass fit for duty at the tournament.

MORE: USWNT schedule at the 2023 World Cup

USA Women's World Cup 2023players on final roster

The player snapshots below are in alphabetical order by last name with all stats correct before the start of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand:

Alana Cook

• Positions:Center-back
• Age:26/Height:5-foot-9
• Clubs:OL Reign(2021-present), PSG (2019-21), Stanford Cardinal (2015-18)
• Place of birth (Hometown):Worcester, MA
• USA appearances:23/Goals:1
• USA debut:November 10, 2019vs. Costa Rica

One of just two natural center-backs on the USWNT roster, Cook won the College Cup with Stanford before forgoing the NWSL draft and instead starting her professional career abroad at PSG. Eventually, Cook moved back domestically to join OL Reign, and she has been named to the NWSL Best XI twice in two seasons. She has been part of the USWNT setup for quite a while, dating back to her days as captain for the U-17 side. While she was eligible to represent England and even accepted a call-up from England before committing to the USA, Cook has stuck with her country of birth.

Savannah DeMelo

• Positions:Central midfielder
• Age:25 /Height:5-foot-5
• Clubs:Racing Louisville (2022-present), USC Trojans (2016-21)
• Place of birth (Hometown):Bellflower, CA
• USA appearances:0/Goals:0
• USA debut:Uncapped

Easily the biggest surprise selection for Vlatko Andonovski for this tournament, DeMelo has likely been included as cover for Rose Lavelle, who is dealing with a nagging knee injury. Known as "Sav," she's the only uncapped player on the U.S. Women's World Cup roster, and even admitted her "surreal" selection left her "shocked." Unless Lavelle's injury lingers or gets worse, it's unlikely that DeMelo will see significant time, but she certainly deserves her place after starring as a No. 8/10 hybrid for Racing Louisville this season.

Crystal Dunn

• Positions:Left-back / Central midfielder
• Age:30 /Height:5-foot-1
• Clubs:Portland Thorns (2020-present), NC Courage (2018-20), Chelsea (2017-18), Washington Spirit (2014-16), UNC Tar Heels (2010-13)
• Place of birth (Hometown):New Hyde Park, NY
• USA appearances:131 /Goals:24
• USA debut:February 13, 2013 vs. Scotland

One of the most outspoken and emotional leaders on the team, Dunn isn't just a strong locker room presence, she's also a strong performer on the field too and likely to see significant minutes at the World Cup now that she's back from the birth of her child. There are questions whether Dunn will play at full-back (her usual USWNT spot) or in midfield (her natural position, which she plays at Portland), but either way expect her to be a critical player in this tournament. As long as she's returned to her old fitness levels, Dunn can carry a huge workload for the U.S., having done so two years ago as the only player to start all six matches at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Julie Ertz

• Positions:Central midfield / Center-back
• Age:31 /Height:5-foot-7
• Clubs:Angel City FC (2023-present), Chicago Red Stars (2014-21), Santa Clara Broncos (2010-13)
• Place of birth (Hometown):Mesa, AZ
• USA appearances:118/Goals:20
• USA debut:February 9, 2013 vs. Scotland

While Ertz isn't quite what she used to be from a fitness standpoint, she remains one of the most well-known and high-quality defensive midfielders in the world. Formerly Julie Johnston, she famously married to NFL tight end Zack Ertz, who she met while she was at Santa Clara and he was playing football at nearby Stanford. Ertz has been twice named U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year (2018 & 2019), and has started each of the last two Women's World Cup finals.

Because Vlatko Andonovski controversially decided to bring only two natural center-backs to the World Cup, he mentioned that Ertz is one of the cover options for that position if needed, although that's less than ideal.

MORE:'Indispensable' Julie Ertz may be biggest key to USWNT World Cup threepeat

Emily Fox

• Positions:Left-back / Right-back
• Age:24 /Height:5-foot-5
• Clubs:NC Courage (2023-present), Racing Louisville (2021-22), UNC Tar Heels (2017-20)
• Place of birth (Hometown):Auburn, VA
• USA appearances:28 /Goals:1
• USA debut:November 8, 2018 vs. Portugal

A former North Carolina Tar Heel, Fox is one of the steadiest performers on the U.S. national team, so much so that she can often fade into the background during matches, preferring to cover defensively and let the talented wingers above her go for glory. She's an exceptionally good passer, which is vital in the possessional style of build-up that the U.S. women play. The U.S. has conceded only five goals during her 1,780 minutes of international play, and she scored her first international goal this past April in a 2-0 friendly win over Ireland.

Naomi Girma

• Positions:Center-back
• Age:23 /Height:5-foot-6
• Clubs:San Diego Wave (2022-present), Stanford Cardinal (2018-21)
• Place of birth (Hometown):San Jose, CA
• USA appearances:15 /Goals:0
• USA debut:April 12, 2022 vs. Uzbekistan

Girma will pair with Alana Cook in the heart of defense for the United States at the 2023 Women's World Cup, and they'd better both play well and stay healthy, because there's essentially nobody behind them on the roster. Girma's abilities have never been in doubt, as she was selected by the San Diego Wave as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NWSL draft out of Stanford. In her first year in the league, she was named both NWSL Defender of the Year and Rookie of the Year, solidifying her place already as one of the best center-backs in the world. If she can stay fit and on the field, she'll be a rock for the United States.

Lindsey Horan

• Positions:Central midfielder
• Age:29 /Height:5-foot-9
• Clubs:Olympique Lyon (2022-present), Portland Thorns (2016-23), PSG (2012-16), Colorado Rush (2012).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Golden, CO
• USA appearances:128 /Goals:27
• USA debut:March 18, 2023 vs. China

With Becky Sauerbrunn missing this tournament due to injury, Horan has been named USWNT captain for the 2023 Women's World Cup, a huge honor — and a deserving one. An absolute wizard on the ball, Horan plays the No. 8 role to perfection, boasting every tool a coach could want from a deep-lying playmaker. Her best talents are on the pass, as she can create chances through windows very few players in the world can even recognize let alone execute.

Yet that's far from her only talent; she also has very solid dribbling skills as well, and will crop up in the box latching onto loose balls and cutbacks. Horan is one of the most important players for the U.S. at this tournament, full stop.

Sofia Huerta

• Positions:Right-back
• Age:30 /Height:5-foot-7
• Clubs:OL Reign (2020-present), Sydney FC (2018-20), Houston Dash (2018-19), Adelaide United (2016-17), Chicago Red Stars (2015-18), Santa Clara Broncos (2011-14).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Boise, ID
• USA appearances:29 /Goals:0
• USA debut:September 16, 2017 vs. New Zealand

Eligible to play for Mexico, Huerta made five appearances for El Tri before completing a one-time switch in 2017, making her one of just two players to ever play for both Mexico and the United States. That decision appeared to backfire as she was off the USWNT radar for a solid three years, but worked her way back into the fold in late 2021 and has been a regular member of camp since.

Aubrey Kingsbury

• Positions:Goalkeeper
• Age:31 /Height:5-foot-9
• Clubs:Washington Spirit (2018-present), Sydney FC (2019-20, 2017-18), Orlando Pride (2016-17), Fortuna Hjorring (2015-16), Sky Blue FC (2015), IK Grand Bodo (2014), LA Blues (2014), Wake Forest Demon Deacons (2010-13).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Cincinnati, OH.
• USA appearances:1/Goals:0
• USA debut:April 12, 2022 vs. Uzbekistan

Despite sporting just one official international cap, Kingsbury has been a regular part of USWNT camp since her first call-up in 2019. Still, stuck behind both Alyssa Naeher and Casey Murphy, it's been hard to get game time. Her appearance on the Women's World Cup roster is a bit of a surprise, given that Adrianna Franch had seemingly snatched the third-string spot. It's unlikely Kingsbury will see the field at this tournament, but a third goalkeeper is still important as cover and training motivation, so she has a role to play within this squad.

Rose Lavelle

• Positions:Central midfielder
• Age:28 /Height:5-foot-4
• Clubs:OL Reign (2021-present), Man City (2020-21), Washington Spirit (2018-20), Boston Breakers (2017), Wisconsin Badgers (2013-16), Boston College Eagles (2009-12).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Cincinnati, OH
• USA appearances:88 /Goals:24
• USA debut:March 4, 2017 vs. England

While it's debatable who the best player is on the loaded USWNT roster, it's hard to make a case for anyone besides Lavelle as more important. In fact, an argument could be made that Lavelle should have won Golden Ball at the 2019 Women's World Cup over Megan Rapinoe — she was that unplayable in France. When healthy, Lavelle's dribbling abilities are world class, and she creates chances at an outlandish rate, making difficult moves and passes look simple.

Her fitness is one of the biggest keys to this USWNT chasing history Down Under. She suffered a knee injury in a friendly in March — the same one in which Mallory Swanson shredded her knee — and while the national team insinuated it was minor at the time, it has become a real concern. If she's not able to be at her best, the U.S. chances of repeating diminish significantly.

Kristie Mewis

• Positions:Central midfielder
• Age:32 /Height:5-foot-9
• Clubs:Gotham FC (2022-present), Houston Dash (2017-21), Chicago Red Stars (2017), Washington Spirit (2017), Bayern Munich (2015-16), Boston Breakers (2014-16),Iga FC Kunoichi (2014), FC Kansas City (2013), Canberra United (2013)
• Place of birth (Hometown):Weymouth, MA
• USA appearances:51 /Goals:7
• USA debut:February 9, 2013 vs. Scotland

Collecting one of the most unheralded 50 caps in USWNT history, Mewis has been in the national team fold for a decade. While she won't be a projected starter at the Women's World Cup should the U.S. be at full strength, her versatility means she can cover for multiple positions, lending to her spot on the roster. Mewis was once the third overall pick in the 2013 NWSL draft, picked by then-FC Kansas City head coach Vlatko Andonovski himself, and while she began her career at left-back, she's entrenched herself in a midfield role, coming back from a torn ACL in 2018 to her full self.

Alex Morgan

• Positions:Striker
• Age:33 /Height:5-foot-7
• Clubs:San Diego Wave (2022-present), Orlando Pride (2021, 2017-20, 2016), Tottenham (2020), Olympique Lyon (2017), Portland Thorns (2013-15), Seattle Sounders (2012), Western NY Flash (2011), Pali Blues (2010), California Storm (2010), Cal Golden Bears (2007-10)
• Place of birth (Hometown):San Dimas, CA
• USA appearances:206 /Goals:121
• USA debut:March 31, 2010 vs. Mexico

There isn't a single more famous women's soccer player in the world currently playing than Morgan, and it's even possible that she could be the most visible female footballer ever, such is her star power. Yet at 33 years old and showing signs of decline, Morgan wasn't really expected to be a critical part of this World Cup roster.

Then Mallory Swanson, Cat Macario and Christen Press all become unavailable because of injury, and suddenly Morgan has another vital role to play at a Women's World Cup.

Casey Murphy

• Positions:Goalkeeper
• Age:27 /Height: 6-foot-1
• Clubs:NC Courage (2021-present), OL Reign (2019-20), Montpellier (2018-19), Rutgers Scarlet Knights (2014-17).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Bridgewater, NJ
• USA appearances:14/Goals:0
• USA debut:November 26, 2021 vs. Australia

Largely considered the heir to Alyssa Naeher's starting goalkeeper throne, Murphy has been a part of the U.S. setup since her youth days back in 2015. She began her professional career at French club Montpellier in 2018, and was named in the Ligue 1 Feminine's Best XI that year, a massive accomplishment while not playing for dominant French female sides PSG and Lyon. Vlatko Andonovski has publicly made a point of getting his backup goalkeeper game time to mitigate any drop-off should she be needed more heavily, so don't be surprised if she starts at least the match against Vietnam to open the tournament.

Alyssa Naeher

• Positions:Goalkeeper
• Age:35 /Height:5-foot-9
• Clubs:Chicago Red Stars (2016-present), Boston Breakers (2013-15, 2010-11), Turbine Potsdam (2011-13), Penn State Nittany Lions (2006-09).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Bridgeport, CT
• USA appearances:90/Goals:0
• USA debut:December 18, 2014 vs. Argentina

They always say "you never want to be the guy to come after The Guy," but Naeher took over the starting goalkeeper mantle from the legendary Hope Solo in 2017 and has been as steady as they come. She was the starter through the 2019 Women's World Cup title run, conceding just three goals from 15 shots on target the entire tournament and never more than one goal to any single team.

Now creeping up toward 90 international caps, Naeher hasn't achieved the superstar status that Solo did during her playing days, but Vlatko Andonovski won't care, because she's exactly what this team needs at the back — a proven winner who can hold down the fort.

Kelley O'Hara

• Positions:Right-back
• Age:34 /Height:5-foot-5
• Clubs:Gotham FC (2023-present), Washington Spirit (2021-22), Utah Royals (2018-20), Sky Blue FC (2013-17), Boston Breakers (2011), FC Gold Pride (2010), Pali Blues (2009), Stanford Cardinal (2006-09).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Peachtree City, GA
• USA appearances:157 /Goals:3
• USA debut:March 31, 2010 vs. Mexico

She might boast more than 150 international caps in her career, but it wasn't a given that O'Hara would be on this World Cup roster. She has struggled mightily with injuries through the latter stage of her career, including a hip injury that saw her racing against time to prove her fitness. She managed to do so, and while she may not be a starter on the squad, her presence will be a huge boon to the locker room, and she could definitely see the field if the depth chart is tested.

Megan Rapinoe

• Positions:Left winger
• Age:37 /Height:5-foot-6
• Clubs:OL Reign (2013-present), Olympique Lyon (2013-14), Seattle Sounders (2012), Sydney FC (2011), MagicJack (2011), Philadelphia Independence (2011), Chicago Red Stars (2009-10), Portland Pilots (2005-08).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Redding, CA
• USA appearances:199/Goals:63
• USA debut:July 23, 2006 vs. Ireland

If Alex Morgan is the most famous player in the world, then Rapinoe is right behind her. As her playing career winds down, the 37-year-old is known more for her activism than her play on the field these days, and that's just how she likes it. Rapinoe is a huge champion of equal rights on multiple fronts, but she's not quite ready to give up her on-field contributions quite yet.

Trinity Rodman

• Positions:Right winger
• Age:21 /Height:5-foot-10
• Clubs:Washington Spirit (2021-present)
• Place of birth (Hometown):Newport Beach, CA
• USA appearances:17 /Goals:2
• USA debut:February 17, 2022 vs. Czech Republic

Rodman, the daughter of ex-NBA superstar Dennis Rodman, is a star in her own right. The youngster was committed to play collegiately at UCLA, but after her freshman season was cancelled because of COVID-19, she became the youngest player ever drafted by the NWSL as she was made the No. 1 overall pick in 2021.

Yet while she's considered a budding star, she wasn't expected to be a regular starter for this squad just yet. Fast forward to the Women's World Cup, and given the injuries this roster has sustained, Rodman is now likely to play significant minutes in this FIFA showcase tournament, a big ask for a player so young. It will be a sink or swim moment for her young career.

Ashley Sanchez

• Positions:Central midfielder
• Age:24 /Height:5-foot-4
• Clubs:Washington Spirit (2020-present), UCLA Bruins (2017-19).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Pasadena, CA
• USA appearances:24 /Goals:3
• USA debut:November 30, 2021 vs. Australia

Sanchez hasn't quite shoved herself into a regular starting role for the U.S. women, but it feels as if that's coming soon as the generation before her advances. While her best position is a creative No. 10 role, she can play a more deep-lying role like Lindsey Horan, meaning she will provide very critical cover at this World Cup.

While she played only three seasons at UCLA, Sanchez broke the legendary collegiate program's career record for assists, while also scoring 23 goals. However, taking the next step in her career has been tough considering the midfield talent in this USWNT team, and she's had a mediocre year in the NWSL with the Spirit. She'll be an important part of this roster, but will surely hope to play an even more critical role for the national team in the future.

Sophia Smith

• Positions:Left winger / Striker
• Age:22 /Height:5-foot-5
• Clubs:Portland Thorns (2020-present), Stanford Cardinal (2018-19).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Windsor, CO
• USA appearances:29 /Goals:12
• USA debut:November 27, 2020 vs. Netherlands

While Smith is already a star in the making, and would have been a starter at the World Cup regardless, injuries have now thrust her into a make-or-break role for the United States in this tournament. If she plays well, then the U.S. has a shot to win the title. And if she struggles, then they have very little chance to repeat. It's just that simple.

She will likely play on the left wing to begin the tournament, but if Alex Morgan is struggling or lacks fitness up front, Smith would likely be the one to slide into the middle and play the No. 9 spot. Smith is, unquestionably, one of the most important players in this USWNT roster, and this tournament could be a coming-out party ahead of what feels like an inevitable Ballon d'Or in her future.

Emily Sonnett

• Positions:Right-back / Center-back / Central midfielder
• Age:29 /Height:5-foot-7
• Clubs:OL Reign (2023-present), Washington Spirit (2021-22), Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC (2020), Sydney FC (2017-18), Portland Thorns (2016-19), Virginia Cavaliers (2012-15).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Marietta, GA
• USA appearances:74 /Goals:1
• USA debut:October 25, 2015 vs. Brazil

After a decorated career at Virginia which saw her win nearly every individual award a full-back could fathom, and coming inches from a national title, Sonnett has remained a versatile and steady option for the USWNT. She played only nine minutes at the 2019 Women's World Cup, but has a better chance of seeing the field this time around. The full-back depth is strong on this roster, but there are not exactly clear starters at the position, and she can also play center-back if Naomi Girma or Alana Cook needs a break, and the team is managing Julie Ertz's minutes. Whether she collects minutes Down Under or not, Sonnett is a very, very important player on this roster, just based on the possible cover she provides at a number of different places.

Andi Sullivan

• Positions:Central midfielder
• Age:27 /Height:5-foot-7
• Clubs:Washington Spirit (2018-present), Stanford Cardinal (2014-17)
• Place of birth (Hometown):Honolulu, HI
• USA appearances:44 /Goals:3
• USA debut:October 19, 2016 vs. Switzerland

Sullivan is on this Women's World Cup roster primarily to serve as cover for Julie Ertz at the No. 6 position. Given that Ertz is probably the first backup option at center-back, and she herself will need to have her minutes somewhat managed, Sullivan is an important figure in this squad.

She provides little going forward, but her defensive acumen is strong, and she reads the game extremely well, stepping into passing lanes even before they open. She's decent in progression as well, and the team would not fall off a cliff if she were needed.

Alyssa Thompson

• Positions:Right winger / Striker
• Age:18 /Height:5-foot-4
• Clubs:Angel City FC (2023-present)
• Place of birth (Hometown):Studio City, CA
• USA appearances:3/Goals:0
• USA debut:October 17, 2022 vs. England

If you're looking for the youngest, most exciting player on the roster who will has the brightest future, look no further than Thompson. Alongside Trinity Rodman, Thompson is a young prospect who will surely develop into an electric player down the road, yet she too wasn't meant to be needed this soon.

Thompson wasn't expected to be making this trip, but like Rodman, thanks to injuries to the attacking group, she has now been thrust into a roster spot earlier than expected. She likely won't collect significant minutes unless there are injuries or really poor form, but her presence will be a big step in her development, and it's a sign from Vlatko Andonovski just how bright they believe her future to be. While Thompson needs to work on improving her passing, she's a killer dribbler and also has a high defensive work rate, and she could provide a spark off the bench if one is required.

Lynn Williams

• Positions:Left winger / Right winger / Striker
• Age:30 /Height:5-foot-7
• Clubs:NJ/NY Gotham FC (2023-present), KC Current (2022), Melbourne Victory (2021-22), Western Sydney Wanderers (2019-20), NC Courage (2017-19), Western NY Flash (2015-16), Pepperdine Waves (2011-14).
• Place of birth (Hometown):Fresno, CA
• USA appearances:52/Goals:15
• USA debut:October 19, 2016 vs. Switzerland

Williams is likely the benefactor of Vlatko Andonovski's decision to take so few center-backs, but she's unquestionably earned this roster spot. She basicallyisGotham FC's attack, scoring half the club's goals this season, and she comes with an absolutely massive defensive contribution for a forward as well. Williams is a versatile player who could be deployed in a spot-start should Andonovski deem her skill set necessary for a particular match, and she could definitely see minutes off the bench.