U.S. Women's National Team Announces SheBelieves Cup Roster

Emma Hayes calls up 26 players for the annual tournament as she continues to build the squad ahead of World Cup qualifying

Feb. 18, 2026 at 5:39pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Women's National Team manager Emma Hayes has named a 26-player roster for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup, a prestigious annual tournament that will feature three matches in seven days across three different cities. The roster includes a mix of veteran leaders and promising young players as Hayes looks to solidify her "core group" ahead of World Cup qualifying later this year.

Why it matters

The SheBelieves Cup provides a valuable opportunity for Hayes to evaluate her player pool and prepare the team for the rigors of major tournament play. With the 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympics on the horizon, this tournament will be an important step in the team's development as they aim to qualify and compete at the highest level.

The details

The U.S. will face Argentina, Canada, and Colombia during the SheBelieves Cup, which runs from March 1-7. While some key players like Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson are still working their way back from recent pregnancies, Hayes has called up a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talent. The roster includes seven players who were part of the 2025 Futures Camp, as well as 12 players who made their senior team debuts in 2025 or 2026, showcasing the team's investment in developing the next generation.

  • The SheBelieves Cup will take place from March 1-7, 2026.
  • The U.S. will play Argentina on March 1 in Nashville, Tennessee, Canada on March 4 in Columbus, Ohio, and Colombia on March 7 in Harrison, New Jersey.

The players

Lindsey Heaps

The U.S. women's national team captain with 170 caps and 38 goals.

Rose Lavelle

A veteran midfielder with 116 caps and 27 goals for the U.S.

Emily Sonnett

A defender with 113 caps for the U.S. women's national team.

Trinity Rodman

A promising young forward with 49 caps and 13 goals for the U.S.

Alyssa Thompson

A rising star forward with 26 caps and 3 goals for the U.S.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Emma Hayes, U.S. Women's National Team Manager

“As we gain more experience, I expect our standards to keep improving.”

— Emma Hayes, U.S. Women's National Team Manager

What’s next

The U.S. will look to use the SheBelieves Cup as a final tune-up before beginning their World Cup qualifying campaign later this year.

The takeaway

Emma Hayes' roster for the SheBelieves Cup showcases the U.S. women's national team's commitment to developing the next generation of talent while also relying on experienced veterans to lead the way. This tournament will be a crucial step in the team's preparations for the challenges that lie ahead.