Breaking Down the USWNT’s Top 50 Players: Who’s Leading the Charge?
The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) has had a whirlwind year, capped off by their fifth Olympic gold medal. But as the team celebrates its triumphs, it also faces a period of transition. With the retirements of iconic players like Alex Morgan, Alyssa Naeher, and Kelley O’Hara, the team is looking ahead to its next chapter. This weekend’s friendly against England at Wembley Stadium and next week’s clash with the Netherlands in The Hague will serve as a prelude to a pivotal January summit in Southern California.
At this January camp, head coach Emma Hayes will bring together senior players and a “Futures Camp” featuring the next wave of talent. This gathering will be crucial in shaping the roster for the 2027 World Cup. Hayes, known for her sharp eye for talent, is expected to make some bold call-ups, which could shake up the current player pool rankings. For now, though, we’re diving into the top 50 players in the USWNT pool based on their form for club and country over the past year. Let’s see who’s making waves and who’s poised to lead the team into the future.
Top 50 USWNT Players: The Countdown Begins
Here’s a look at some of the standout players from the list:
- 50. Makenna Morris, FW, Washington Spirit
- 47. Alana Cook, DF, Kansas City Current
- 42. Abby Dahlkemper, DF, Bay FC
- 27. Casey Murphy, GK, North Carolina Courage
- 23. Lily Yohannes, MF, Ajax
Cook’s summer transfer to Kansas City revitalized her career, helping the team make a run to the semifinals. Her form at center back could reignite her USWNT prospects.
After battling injuries, Dahlkemper’s midseason move to Bay FC proved she’s still a top-tier center back.
With Alyssa Naeher retiring, Murphy is poised to step into the No. 1 goalkeeper role. The question is: Can she rise to the occasion by 2027?
Yohannes recently committed to the USWNT over the Netherlands and made an immediate impact, scoring 10 minutes into her debut. Her creative vision could make her a midfield mainstay.
The Top 10: Who’s Leading the Pack?
As we climb higher up the rankings, the competition gets fierce. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 players in the USWNT pool:
- 10. Rose Lavelle, MF, NJ/NY Gotham FC
- 9. Lindsey Horan, MF, Olympique Lyonnais
- 5. Jaedyn Shaw, FW, San Diego Wave FC
- 3. Trinity Rodman, FW, Washington Spirit
- 1. Naomi Girma, DF, San Diego Wave FC
Lavelle remains a creative force in midfield, capable of game-changing moments like her no-look through ball in the NWSL semifinals.
The USWNT captain continues to anchor the midfield, showing her class with Lyon this season.
Shaw is the future of the USWNT. Whether deployed as a No. 10 or a No. 9, she brings a unique energy to the team.
Rodman’s “wow factor” is unmatched. Her signature “Trin Spin” move and her ability to create magic on the ball make her a standout.
Girma is the best center back in the world and a likely future USWNT captain. Her combination of intelligence and athleticism sets her apart.
What’s Next for the USWNT?
As the USWNT prepares for its January camp, all eyes will be on Emma Hayes and her roster decisions. With a mix of established stars and rising talents, the team is poised for an exciting new era. The road to the 2027 World Cup starts now, and the competition for spots will be fierce. Who will rise to the occasion? Stay tuned as the journey unfolds.
Originally Written by: Jeff Kassouf
