USWNT Star Macario Left Off Chelsea Champions League Squad

Macario's future with the club remains uncertain as her contract nears expiration.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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U.S. women's national team star Catarina Macario was left off Chelsea's Champions League squad for the knockout stage, throwing her future with the club into further doubt. Macario has yet to play for the Blues in 2026, and her contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Why it matters

Macario's exclusion from Chelsea's Champions League squad signals potential issues between the player and the club, raising questions about her long-term future. As one of the top American players, her next move could have significant implications for the USWNT and the global women's soccer landscape.

The details

According to reports, Macario recently turned down a contract extension from Chelsea and is attracting interest from clubs across the globe. With her contract in its final six months, Macario can now sign a pre-contract agreement with any desired club. There has been reported interest from NWSL sides, with the player's agent saying she was in "preliminary talks" with Bay FC.

  • Macario's contract with Chelsea is set to expire at the end of the 2025-26 season.
  • In December 2025, Macario's agent said she was in "preliminary talks" with Bay FC in the NWSL.

The players

Catarina Macario

A U.S. women's national team star who has played for Chelsea since 2023, scoring 15 goals in 59 appearances for the club.

Chelsea

An English professional women's football club based in London that competes in the FA Women's Super League.

Bay FC

A professional women's soccer team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

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What’s next

With Macario's contract set to expire at the end of the season, she will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club of her choosing in the coming months.

The takeaway

Macario's exclusion from Chelsea's Champions League squad highlights the uncertainty surrounding her future with the club. As one of the top American players, her next move will be closely watched by fans and the global women's soccer community.