USWNT roster shocks fans ahead of SheBelieves Cup 2025 as Emma Hayes takes big risks | OneFootball

SheBelieves Cup 2025 arrives with a mix of tradition and renewal for the USWNT. The tournament, now a key event on the international calendar, will be Emma Hayes' first major test as head coach. And looking at the squad, it’s clear she wants to balance experience with fresh talent.

A squad in transition, but tradition remains

When analyzing the 23-player roster, a few things stand out. First, the presence of rising stars like Gisele Thompson, Claire Hutton, and Michelle Cooper. This push for young talent isn’t by chance —Hayes needs to speed up the rebuilding process to keep the USWNT competitive in the years ahead.

At the same time, the squad includes seasoned veterans like Lindsey Heaps (formerly Horan), Crystal Dunn, and Emily Sonnett, players who have carried the weight of major international tournaments. This mix of fresh faces and experience appears to be Hayes' strategy for maintaining both performance and development.

Another notable trend is the strong presence of players competing in Europe, something that is becoming more common. Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, and Lyon have become regular destinations for American talent, reinforcing the globalization of the women's game and broadening the tactical depth of the USWNT.

The challenge of staying on top

Women’s soccer worldwide has evolved, and the USWNT can no longer rely solely on its history to dominate. The SheBelieves Cup 2025 brings together teams like Japan, Australia, and Colombia —each bringing a unique challenge that could push the Americans to their limits.

Australia, for example, boasts a talented squad with players excelling in top leagues. Japan, known for its disciplined and tactical style, has already proven to be a tough opponent in the past. Meanwhile, Colombia has been gaining ground in recent years and could cause an upset if underestimated.

Hayes has made it clear that she is focused on the long term, but that doesn’t mean the SheBelieves Cup will be a casual experiment. The tournament serves as a crucial test to assess how the team performs against high-level competition, especially now that many players are still regaining match fitness after their club preseason.

The impact of key absences

Not everything is good news for the USWNT. Some key players were left out of the squad, which could affect the team’s performance in the tournament.

Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Smith, three essential offensive weapons, were not called up due to injury recovery and personal commitments. Additionally, Rose Lavelle and Naomi Girma will also miss the competition.

These absences leave Hayes with fewer attacking options, which could directly impact the team’s rhythm and creativity. It will be interesting to see how the coach adapts the squad without these star players.

For Emma Hayes, this tournament is a golden opportunity to test her tactical approach, evaluate emerging talents, and begin shaping the next generation of the USWNT. For the younger players, it’s the perfect stage to prove they can uphold the USWNT’s legacy.

The United States has won the last five editions of the SheBelieves Cup, but this time, things are different. With a squad in transition and stronger opponents, it will take more than just history and reputation to stay on top.