Emma Hayes released her latest U.S. women’s national team training camp roster, which will match up against Japan three times in April.
There were a few surprises among the 26 players, including the returns of Sophia Wilson from maternity leave and Tierna Davidson, who is making her first appearance since sustaining an ACL injury in 2025. Both made their NWSL debuts in March, giving Hayes the confidence to bring them back into camp.
“I think it’s really important for us to start getting these players like Soph into a rhythm in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers,” Hayes told reporters in a Zoom call on Wednesday. “I’m so happy, and I’m so excited she’s back, and I’m really proud of her the way she’s responded after giving birth, and I understand what that takes.”
Wilson made her return in the Portland Thorns’ season opener and has played in all four matches with the club. She started the most recent against the Kansas City Current, playing 67 minutes in the 2-0 victory.
Davidson, who is on the roster for the first time in 13 months, has played 74 minutes across three matches for Gotham FC so far this season.
“I am super excited for lots of reasons,” Hayes said of Davidson. “She’s a great player, but she’s such a brilliant person, she’s a deep thinker and someone who challenges me, and I enjoy her company and really, really looking forward to bringing her back in.”
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Including those two, this is one of Hayes’ most experienced rosters. There are zero uncapped players, and three players have more than 100 caps, led by Lindsey Heaps with 172. Rose Lavelle (118) and Emily Sonnett (115) join her as the next two most-experienced. Overall, 20 of the 23 field players have scored in international competition, led by Heaps with 39.
Japan is coming off a dominant run in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in March, where they outscored opponents 29-1 before defeating Australia in the championship. It was Japan’s third title in four editions of the tournament.
“I think this is, without question, one of the favorites to win the World Cup,” Hayes said. “So what a great test for us in three different cities. As I’ve mentioned before, there will be two different teams over the course of those three games. So great exposures for every one of us.”
The first of three matches will be held on April 11 at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif. It is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. ET. The second will take place at 10:30 p.m. ET on April 14 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Wash. The third will be played at 9 p.m. ET on April 17 at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.
The roster:
(Club; Caps/Goals)
Goalkeepers (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash, 10), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 8), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG; 6)
Defenders (9): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC; 67/3), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 74/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG; 52/2), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 10/1), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 7/0), Emily Sams (Angel City FC: 9/1), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 115/2), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 7/0), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 4/0)
Midfielders (7): Sam Coffey (Manchester City, ENG; 44/5), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 173/39), Claire Hutton (Bay FC; 15/1), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 118/27), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 15/5),Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 34/10), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA; 16/1)
Forwards (7): Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 10/1), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; 4/1), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 52/13), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 17/6), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current; 18/7), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC, ENG; 29/4), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns FC; 58/24)
