Emma Hayes Unveils Youthful 26-Player USWNT Roster for January 2026 Friendlies Against Paraguay and Chile
In a move signaling a fresh chapter for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), head coach Emma Hayes has announced a youthful 26-player Roster for the upcoming January training camp in California.
The squad, drawn exclusively from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and one unattached player, will prepare for two international friendlies: against Paraguay on January 24 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, and Chile on January 27 at Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara.
This USWNT Roster, with an average age of just 24.1 years and an average of 6.6 caps per player, emphasizes development and opportunity amid a non-FIFA window that excludes European-based stars like Catarina Macario and Naomi Girma.
Hayes highlighted the camp’s role in evaluating emerging talent, stating, “Once again, our roster presents opportunity, for the coaching staff to evaluate players and for some NWSL players we haven’t seen as much in the national team environment, as well as for some first-time call-ups, to show they can contribute in 2026, 2027 or beyond.”
Key Highlights: Rodman’s Return and Youth Infusion
A standout feature is the return of forward Trinity Rodman, currently unattached after her contract situation with the Washington Spirit.
Rodman, with 47 caps and 11 goals, brings experience to an otherwise green group. Hayes described it as a “fresh start” for Rodman, noting, “The starting point is the same for everyone.”
The USWNT Roster includes four uncapped players: forwards Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC) and Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns FC), midfielder Sally Menti (Seattle Reign FC), and defender Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC).
Eight players hail from the 2025 Futures Camp, underscoring Hayes’ focus on building depth for future tournaments like the SheBelieves Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Other notable inclusions are Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash) and Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), who add attacking flair, alongside midfield standouts like Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC) and Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit).
Full USWNT Roster January 2026
Goalkeepers (3):
- Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC)
- Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals)
- Jordan Silkowitz (Bay FC)
Defenders (8):
- Jordyn Bugg (Seattle Reign FC; uncapped)
- Avery Patterson (Houston Dash)
- Izzy Rodriguez (Kansas City Current)
- Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit)
- Emily Sams (Orlando Pride)
- Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC)
- Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC)
- Kate Wiesner (Washington Spirit)
Midfielders (8):
- Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit; 5/0)
- Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit; 3/0)
- Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 11/1)
- Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage; 0/0)
- Lo’eau LaBonta (Kansas City Current; 4/0)
- Sally Menti (Seattle Reign FC; uncapped)
- Sam Meza (Seattle Reign FC; 2/0)
- Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 11/5)
Forwards (7):
- Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC; uncapped)
- Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; 1/0)
- Trinity Rodman (Unattached; 47/11)
- Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash; 15/2)
- Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 12/4)
- Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current; 13/4)
- Reilyn Turner (Portland Thorns FC; uncapped)
(Caps/goals as of announcement)
Match Previews and What to Watch USWNT Matches
The USWNT Roster will use this camp to fine-tune ahead of a busy year. The January 24 clash with Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park promises a test against a South American side looking to build momentum.
Three days later, the team heads north to face Chile, offering Hayes a chance to rotate and assess her young guns in live action.
Fans can expect high-energy sessions focused on leadership development, as Hayes emphasized her role in fostering more leaders within the squad.
With the NWSL’s new “HIP” rule influencing player availability, this all-domestic roster highlights the league’s growing talent pool.
As the USWNT eyes redemption after recent challenges, this camp could mark the emergence of the next generation. Tickets for both matches are available via U.S. Soccer, and broadcasts will be on major networks.
