Alyssa Thompson goal secures USWNT's eighth SheBelieves Cup victory

The 21-year old's sole goal of the tournament sealed the team's title win over Colombia.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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A go-ahead goal in the 82nd minute by U.S. women's national team forward Alyssa Thompson sent the team to the top of the podium in the final fixture of the SheBelieves Cup against Colombia at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J. The USWNT won all three of its matches and kept three clean sheets in the 11th edition of the round-robin tournament.

Why it matters

The SheBelieves Cup is a prestigious annual tournament that features some of the top women's national teams in the world. The USWNT's victory marks their eighth title in the 11-year history of the event, cementing their status as one of the dominant forces in international women's soccer.

The details

Thompson's goal resulted from quick passes between her, Lindsey Heaps, who wore the captain's armband when she came onto the pitch in the second half, and Jaedyn Shaw. The 21-year-old Chelsea player received the ball at the top of the penalty box, and after taking one controlling touch, released a powerful shot that smashed the upper corner of the goal before rippling down the back of the net.

  • The USWNT won all three of its matches and kept three clean sheets in the 11th edition of the round-robin tournament.
  • Thompson's game-winning goal came in the 82nd minute of the match against Colombia.

The players

Alyssa Thompson

A 21-year-old forward for the U.S. women's national team who plays for Chelsea in the FA Women's Super League.

Lindsey Heaps

A midfielder for the U.S. women's national team who came on as a substitute in the second half and wore the captain's armband.

Jaedyn Shaw

A forward for the U.S. women's national team who was involved in the build-up to Thompson's game-winning goal.

Naomi Girma

A center back for the U.S. women's national team who plays for Chelsea alongside Thompson and Catarina Macario.

Catarina Macario

A striker for the U.S. women's national team who also plays for Chelsea alongside Thompson and Girma.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to get another shot on goal.”

— Alyssa Thompson (TNT)

“I think it's grown a lot just knowing what I can do at international and also at club. Being able to go to Chelsea was a huge move for me. And honestly, (Girma) and (Macario) have been really helpful at Chelsea and just getting my confidence up.”

— Alyssa Thompson (TNT)

What’s next

The USWNT will next face Japan — who got the better of them in last year's SheBelieves Cup — across three consecutive friendly fixtures in April.

The takeaway

Alyssa Thompson's game-winning goal in the SheBelieves Cup final showcases the rising talent and depth of the U.S. women's national team, as they continue to dominate the international stage and prepare for future major tournaments.