Emma Hayes, head coach of the U.S. women’s national soccer team, has announced her 26-player roster for the first training camp of the year. This camp marks a significant phase as the team prepares for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, offering a last opportunity for player experimentation before solidifying the roster for upcoming competitions.
Among the notable highlights of the roster is the return of Trinity Rodman, who has been away from the team since appearing in a match against Brazil in April 2025. At just 23 years old, Rodman, who comes from Southern California, brings a wealth of experience with 47 international caps under her belt. Her inclusion could provide an emotional boost to the squad as she reintegrates amid her contract situation with the Washington Spirit.
Rodman’s contract with the Spirit expired in late 2025, and she trained with the team but opted not to re-sign after a four-year, multimillion-dollar offer was rejected by the NWSL. The NWSL Players Association has also filed a grievance concerning her free agency status, adding an extra layer of complexity to her return. Hayes expressed a protective instinct towards Rodman, understanding the pressures associated with her high-profile position, and emphasized the need for careful management of player minutes as they transition back into training.
This January camp, which will culminate in matches against Paraguay and Chile, features a squad entirely composed of NWSL players due to the timing falling outside of FIFA’s international windows. Furthermore, the roster includes four players who have received their first call-up: forwards Maddie Dahlien and Reilyn Turner, alongside midfielders Riley Jackson and Sally Menti. Hayes noted the importance of this camp as an opportunity for these new players to make their mark and potentially influence future selections.
Hayes is keen to utilize this final experimental window to enhance the team’s depth and identify promising talents. She stated that the average age of this roster is 24.1 years, reflecting a balance of youth and experience, which is vital for the team’s evolution. The head coach indicated that the upcoming She Believes Cup will feature more definitive selections as she begins to solidify her squad for World Cup qualifiers later this year.
With her commitment to developing a larger player pool and her detailed approach to talent identification, Hayes is setting a promising foundation for the U.S. women’s national team. As they look ahead to crucial matches and the broader goal of the 2027 World Cup, this roster presents a blend of opportunity and ambition that could shape the future of U.S. women’s soccer.