The U.S. Women`s National Team is set to conclude its summer friendly schedule with an anticipated match on Wednesday, adding some extra intensity. Following two commanding 4-0 wins against Ireland, the team now prepares for a regional clash against long-standing Concacaf rivals, Canada. While the eight goals scored across the previous two games were exciting, Canada will present a tougher test for a younger USWNT squad eager to make a lasting impression on the coaching staff, especially as the stakes are higher than in the preceding six months.
This upcoming game marks the 67th meeting between the two nations. The focus isn`t just on who will line up against their northern neighbors, but also on how the recent six months of player debuts and advancements have begun to redefine the core of the USWNT player pool for the future. After facing Canada, the USWNT will reconvene during the international windows in the fall. This timeline places them roughly 13 months away from the November 2026 Concacaf W Championship, which serves as the qualifier for the FIFA Women`s World Cup in the region.
There is considerable opportunity for players hoping to be part of the team`s plans for the 2027-28 cycle. Let`s examine who is currently trending upward and likely to remain in the picture, and who might need this final test against Canada to solidify their position within the squad:
Understanding the influx of new players
A significant argument can be made that a generational shift has been instrumental in reshaping the USWNT. This includes a large number of player retirements over the past two years, combined with the arrival of new head coach Emma Hayes and her staff. They appear ready to address the situation head-on, making significant changes to rebuild and emerge stronger following the team`s unexpected 2023 World Cup exit. Securing a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics has helped return the USWNT to a top position in rankings and on the podium, but 2025 has been dedicated to expanding the player pool and experimenting, partly because several members of the Olympic gold-medal winning team have been largely unavailable for selection over the last six months.
The prominent attacking trio known as `Triple Espresso` – Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, and Trinity Rodman – has been absent for almost all of 2025. Rodman participated in camps against Brazil but has since been sidelined with a lingering back injury and no set return date. Meanwhile, Smith and Swanson are on maternity leave and are not expected back this year. Beyond Hayes` preferred forwards, other key players like defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Rose Lavelle have recently returned to the roster in May and June, respectively.
What`s riding on this match?
With numerous regulars unavailable, many new players have been brought into the fold. Two easy wins against an injured Ireland team highlight the need for a more challenging benchmark, making Canada the ideal opponent. The regional rivals` physically tough, resilient, and experienced players offer the ultimate test of readiness.
Emma Hayes has been transparent about her plan to narrow down the expanded pool of players to a core group after the summer window. This is part of the broader strategy and timeline for the coaching staff as they build towards the 2027-28 cycle. Some players currently in the senior national team setup have only been involved for the past six months, while others joined the group last fall.
Must-watch players against Canada
The reality is that roster spots for third, fourth, or fifth options beyond the ideal starting 11 are highly contested, and the match against Canada provides a crucial opportunity for players vying for these depth positions to prove themselves.
Here are five players we hope to see start against Canada on Wednesday:
Avery Patterson: The outside back has made a strong impression across her five appearances for the USWNT. Her performance against China in May showed significant progress after her initial minutes against Brazil in April, and her start against Ireland included scoring her first national team goal. While Hayes praised the fullback`s improvement and coachability, she also noted the need for Patterson to be tested defensively – a challenge she will certainly face against Canada.
Michelle Cooper: The winger has effectively used her opportunities and has been a consistent presence in most national team camps this year. Her style of play is noticeable and often described as functioning with the fearless drive of a viper in a jeep – she aggressively attacks opposing defenses. To some, this approach might seem overly daring, but with more playing time and matches, it could provide exactly the kind of dynamic energy needed.
Yazmeen Ryan: Another forward option who offers skillful wing play, though her club move to the Houston Dash hasn`t fully materialized alongside a lingering injury. She scored her first national team goal against Ireland on Thursday, having been part of USWNT camps since last fall.
Mandy McGlynn: No goalkeeper has received consecutive starts in 2025 except for Phallon Tulis-Joyce. With Canada being the highest-ranked opponent in this window, we might see McGlynn get the start in goal. She is the most capped goalkeeper on the roster with five starts already. However, her performances against top teams like Brazil highlighted areas for defensive improvement. A chance to play against Canada will be an excellent opportunity to evaluate her development.
Giselle Thompson: The fullback is having a solid club season alongside her sister Alyssa Thompson at Angel City FC. Her dependable performances have led the coaching staff to want to see her potential further up the field. She was called up as part of the forward group earlier this month but withdrew from camps due to injury. Now back in contention, she has another opportunity to challenge a formidable opponent.
