Predicting the USWNT Starting Lineup & Squad for the 2027 World Cup

Fresh off their SheBelieves Cup triumph, the U.S. women's national team enters a critical phase under manager Emma Hayes. With only six international windows remaining before she must finalize her World Cup roster for Brazil 2027, the countdown is officially on.

Hayes has taken an unprecedented approach to squad building. In her first 32 matches at the helm, she's handed debuts to 32 different players – a rotation strategy far more extensive than any previous USWNT manager over the same period. While this experimental approach has broadened the talent pool, it's made predicting her eventual starting eleven considerably more challenging.

The English tactician has been transparent about her philosophy: there is no single preferred starting lineup. Modern tournament soccer demands tactical flexibility, with different opponents requiring distinct approaches. A deep-sitting defensive opponent might call for an attack-minded midfield, while facing an elite powerhouse could necessitate a more conservative structure.

With that framework in mind, here's our analysis of Hayes' likely thinking. This represents our interpretation of her patterns and preferences rather than personal selections.

The Goalkeeper Battle and Defensive Core

The goalkeeper position appears to be a straight contest between Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Mandy Haught. While minutes have been distributed fairly evenly, Tullis-Joyce currently holds a slight advantage. Her standout performance against Brazil and selection for the crucial SheBelieves Cup fixture versus Canada suggest she's leading the race.

Defensively, two positions are essentially locked down. Naomi Girma at centre-back and Emily Fox at right fullback are both world-class performers who should be considered certainties barring injury. The intrigue lies with their defensive partners.

At left fullback, Jenna Nighswonger has emerged as the leading candidate. The Gotham FC standout combines attacking ambition with defensive solidity – a dual threat that suits Hayes' philosophy. Her impressive résumé includes NWSL Rookie of the Year honours and both the NWSL Championship and Concacaf titles with her club.

Partnering Girma at centre-back, Tierna Davidson remains in pole position if she maintains fitness following last year's ACL injury. The Girma-Davidson axis was Hayes' go-to pairing during the gold medal-winning 2024 Olympics campaign. Emily Sonnett provides dependable cover and could easily step into the starting role should Davidson encounter any physical setbacks.

Midfield Brilliance and Attacking Options

Rose Lavelle might currently be the most indispensable name on the roster. Operating at peak performance levels, she delivers unique qualities that force opposing teams to completely restructure their tactical plans. Sam Coffey is equally assured of her place in the holding midfield position. Her continuous development has been impressive, and her recent transfer to Manchester City should accelerate her growth further.

The third midfield position presents fascinating possibilities. Lindsey Horan retains the captain's armband and brings invaluable veteran presence at age 33. Hayes clearly values experienced leadership through the team's central areas. However, Lily Yohannes – who'll be just 20 when the World Cup arrives – represents the most technically accomplished of the younger midfield generation. Both should see significant action depending on opposition, with Emily Sams offering additional squad depth.

The forward positions generate the most intrigue. Alyssa Thompson has been in scintillating form, dominating defences in both NWSL and the Women's Super League. Trinity Rodman provides creative brilliance and confidence when fit. Both appear likely starters.

The central striker role remains genuinely open. With Alex Morgan now retired, the competition involves Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith (returning from maternity leave), and Catarina Macario, who's made a compelling case throughout 2025. Macario operates effectively as a false nine who excels in combination play, while Smith stretches backlines with her pace and directness. Hayes will match her selection to each opponent's characteristics.

From a betting perspective, this squad depth proves crucial. The Americans can deploy vastly different attacking configurations based on matchups. Consider the impact of introducing players like Swanson, Smith, Macario or Thompson from the bench – that represents genuine game-changing firepower for crucial moments.

Hayes has essentially developed two distinct starting formations. An aggressive system for supposedly weaker opponents, and a more compact structure for elite opposition. In the attacking model, Yohannes enjoys creative freedom. In the defensive setup, Hutton partners Coffey in a double pivot with Lavelle pushed higher.

The conclusion? With 15 months still remaining, Hayes has constructed remarkable tactical versatility. The USWNT's 'best XI' is really about selecting the optimal combination from approximately 15 elite-level players. This adaptability positions them as legitimate contenders to capture the title in Brazil.