The group of players that will lead the U.S. women's national team at the 2027 Women's World Cup is coming into focus.
Head coach Emma Hayes had said prior to the recent October window that the group she called up would likely be the one she sees most ready to contribute on the road to World Cup qualifying. That young, inexperienced squad got battle-tested in a surprising 2-1 loss to Portugal on Oct. 23.
Hayes learned plenty from that game, and the ensuing victories over Portugal (in a rematch) and New Zealand -- more than she would have in a comfortable victory for the USWNT.