Emma Hayes has named a 26-player roster for the USWNT's June friendlies against Brazil, reuniting the attacking trio known as Triple Espresso for the first time since their Olympic gold medal run in Paris. Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Wilson will take the pitch together again after both Wilson and Swanson stepped away for motherhood over the past two years.
The three forwards were instrumental during the 2024 Olympics, combining for 10 goals and five assists, with Swanson scoring the decisive goal in the gold medal final. Their absence has left the USWNT relying on Rodman as the primary attacking option while Hayes managed roster depth. Now, with World Cup qualifying on the horizon, Hayes has prioritized bringing all three back into the fold to rebuild cohesion ahead of critical matches.
Building Toward 2027 World Cup Qualifying
Hayes emphasized that this reunion extends beyond sentimentality. "We recognize the importance of preparing for World Cup qualifying and the need for the group to come together in that process," the manager stated. The Brazil matches serve as crucial preparation, allowing the USWNT to test themselves against the sixth-ranked team in FIFA's World Rankings while the Americans sit second.
The squad balances experience with emerging talent. Lindsey Heaps, Rose Lavelle, and Emily Sonnett anchor the veteran contingent, with Heaps leading at 176 international caps. Younger players including Riley Jackson and the Thompson sisters provide fresh energy. Three players—Naomi Girma, Cat Macario, and Sam Coffey—remain unavailable due to injury.
Home Advantage Test in Brazil
Playing in Brazil carries significant weight as the federation prepares to host the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The venues selected for June's friendlies will double as tournament stadiums, giving the USWNT invaluable familiarity with the environment. The nations have met 43 times historically, but only six matches have occurred on Brazilian soil, making this two-game series a rare challenge. Hayes highlighted the stakes: "Few challenges in women's international soccer compare to facing Brazil in Brazil." The USWNT will look to use these matches to strengthen their World Cup qualifying campaign and continue building the squad chemistry needed for a deep tournament run.
