USWNT is playing with fire against a rising Colombia in SheBelieves Cup | OneFootball

The 2025 SheBelieves Cup begins with a thrilling contest as the USWNT faces Colombia in Houston. At first blush, this might appear to be a foregone conclusion of a match — after all, history is on the side of the Americans with 11 victories, 2 draws, and no defeats. Yet in soccer, tradition does not take the field.

This match has long been one of the most significant barometers for the USWNT, which is currently attempting to discover its new identity under Emma Hayes. With a roster that blends veteran stalwarts and young prospects, the team can ill afford to be caught sleeping since Colombia is no longer the team that it once was.

Colombia has made strides in recent years, reaching the quarterfinals of the 2023 Women's World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. With Ángelo Marsilha at the helm, the team now plays a possession-based style of play with a focus on intensity and creativity. The challenge for the USWNT is clear: extend the dominance or risk starting the year with an upset defeat to a rising adversary.

Emma Hayes' first big test

Emma Hayes has named her first official squad for a 2025 event, and it already looks significantly different. There are a few experienced players still in there, but there's a clear focus on refreshment, with some new names given key opportunities in the SheBelieves Cup.

Alyssa Naeher's retirement has created competition for the starting goalkeeper spot for Mandy McGlynn and Jane Campbell. Forwards Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith are all out, while the team returns Catarina Macario, who was denied an Olympic bid due to a knee injury.

One of the other primary storylines is the inclusion of three teenage hopefuls — Lily Yohannes (17), Claire Hutton (19), and Gisele Thompson (19) — to highlight a changing of the guard within the team. With an average age of 24.9 years and 33 caps per player, this SheBelieves Cup can act as a valuable proving ground for the team's future.

But with this many changes, the question is if this version of the USWNT is truly ready to compete at the highest level? Emma Hayes' squad selection shows that this cycle will not be marked by continuity but by reconstruction.

Colombia is a danger that cannot be disregarded

If history is on the side of USWNT dominance, the present moment tells a different tale — Colombia is now a legitimate competitor. More structured in their play and boasting some quality individual talent, the South Americans have the tools to make life difficult for the Americans.

The team's shining star is Linda Caicedo, the Real Madrid forward and one of the world's most promising young talents. Just 19 years old, she has already demonstrated that she is capable of changing the direction of a game by herself through her dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring.

The other threat is Mayra Ramírez, Chelsea's forward, whose strength, explosiveness, and aerial prowess render her a genuine goal-scoring danger. If the US defense gives her space, she could take full advantage. And then there is Leicy Santos, a chief playmaker with Washington Spirit, who is the creative force in the center of the park and responsible for controlling Colombia's attacking flows.

In addition to these established stars, Colombia is also looking to youth such as Ana María Guzmán, who recently joined Utah Royals FC on loan from Bayern Munich. With experience in both Europe and the NWSL, she is a key component of Colombia's defense.

The team goes into the SheBelieves Cup in form, with positive results against Brazil and Spain, and a competitive game against Argentina.

The message is ominous — if the USWNT underestimated Colombia, it may be in for a shock.

A high-stakes SheBelieves Cup

This competition might look made to order for the USWNT, yet Colombia did not come here merely to make an appearance. For the USWNT to send a message that it still reigns supreme across the world, it will have to do that on the field, without leaving Colombia any leeway to produce an upset.