USWNT Gears Up for SheBelieves Cup Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

The U.S. women’s national soccer team (USWNT) is set to elevate its World Cup preparation by participating in the annual SheBelieves Cup, beginning this Sunday. This year’s tournament features strong competition from Argentina, Canada, and Colombia, marking a significant step in the team’s journey towards the World Cup qualifiers later this year.

The tournament will unfold across three doubleheader events, kicking off in Nashville on February 18, followed by matches in Columbus, Ohio on February 21 and Harrison, New Jersey on March 7. With a history of dominance, the USWNT has secured victory in seven of the previous ten editions of the SheBelieves Cup, although Japan claimed the title last year.

The roster for this year’s competition reflects a more experienced squad, highlighted by Emily Sonnett, who is participating in her 11th edition of the tournament. For the first time since Emma Hayes took over as head coach, the roster does not include any uncapped players, emphasizing a focus on seasoned athletes ahead of the upcoming challenges.

“The SheBelieves Cup is a fantastic tournament, which gives us the opportunity to replicate the group stage of a FIFA tournament,” Hayes stated. “Three quality games in quick succession also allow us to replicate conditions that will prepare us for the World Cup qualifying campaign this fall.”

Several players in the squad are based in Europe, bringing international experience to the team. Notable inclusions are Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Sam Coffey (Manchester City), and Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes). The team also welcomes sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson and their new Angel City FC teammate, defender Emily Sams.

This year’s SheBelieves Cup introduces a notable change: if a match ends in a tie, it will proceed directly to penalty kicks. Nevertheless, the tournament winner will still be determined by total points accumulated. Teams earn three points for a win, one point for a tie after regulation, and an additional point for winning the penalty shootout.

The USWNT began 2026 on a high note, achieving a commanding 6-0 victory over Paraguay on January 24, followed by a 5-0 win against Chile on January 27. Additional matches are scheduled against Japan in April, further solidifying the team’s preparation for the qualifying rounds.

The SheBelieves Cup schedule is as follows:

February 18, 2024, GEODIS PARK, Nashville, Tennessee
11:00 a.m.: Canada vs. Colombia
14:00 p.m.: USWNT vs. Argentina (broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Peacock)

February 21, 2024, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus, Ohio
12:30 p.m.: Argentina vs. Colombia
15:45 p.m.: USWNT vs. Canada (broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Peacock)

March 7, 2024, Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
10:30 a.m.: Canada vs. Argentina
12:30 p.m.: USWNT vs. Colombia (broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Peacock)

The USWNT roster includes:

**GOALKEEPERS:** Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)
**DEFENDERS:** Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit), Emily Sams (Angel City FC), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC)
**MIDFIELDERS:** Sam Coffey (Manchester City), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes)
**FORWARDS:** Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC)

As the USWNT embarks on this tournament, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the team performs against formidable opponents as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers.