With the North American fans highly anticipating the game, coach Emma Hayes will lead the USWNT this Thursday in a match against Ireland, opening a series of friendlies that will also include a match against Canada, the last games scheduled before the resumption of the domestic league.
Contrary to what many fans expected, the USWNT's call-up included rest for many players who play in Europe, a decision that makes complete sense given that the European season ended a few weeks ago and that this is a fundamental rest to take advantage of the opportunity to call up new players.
It's precisely because of this that we'll have several new faces during the two friendlies, and the expectation for the friendly against Ireland is great precisely because we have the possibility of new players being included in the next squad for the 2027 World Cup.
The main players to watch out for in the upcoming friendlies
Lindsey Heaps, Catarina Macario and Emily Fox are among the players who have been given time off after the European season. The only exception is Naomi Girma, who is recovering from a calf injury and would not have been called up anyway. The list also includes the return of midfielder Rose Lavelle, who hasn't played for the United States for over six months.
These absences have allowed four players to be called up to the USWNT for the first time. Defenders Jordyn Bugg, Lilly Reale and Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza are the players who will have the opportunity to prove themselves and make a name for themselves in the national team, with 18-year-old Bugg being the youngest of all the players called up.
The United States will play Ireland on June 26 in Commerce City, Colorado, and again on June 29 in Cincinnati. Finally, the USWNT will also take the field against Canada on July 2 in Washington, D.C.