Emma Hayes, the head coach of the United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT), has announced plans to prioritize player welfare by offering a significant break to Europe-based athletes this summer. This decision will lead to a roster primarily composed of domestic players for the upcoming international window.
In a recent interview with ESPN, Hayes indicated that the only player expected from overseas is Naomi Girma, a defender from Chelsea, who is making her return from injury to the national team for the first time since 2025.
“This is the first opportunity, and the only one for them, to take a break between now and the World Cup in two years,” Hayes articulated, emphasizing the importance of rest and recovery.
The USWNT will hold two friendlies against Ireland, scheduled for late June in Colorado and Ohio, followed by a match versus Canada in Washington, D.C., on July 2.
Hayes’s decision to rest her players follows discussions with the medical and performance teams associated with the USWNT. They assessed each player’s game load, the duration of their seasons, and the frequency of games played since the 2023 World Cup.
This year presents a rare period of respite for U.S. national team members, with World Cup qualifying set to commence next year, leading up to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Highlighting the toll of an intense schedule on players, Hayes referenced Arsenal’s Emily Fox and Lyon’s Lindsey Heaps, both of whom have had minimal time off due to a tightly packed international calendar, which merges seamlessly into their club commitments in Europe.
“In Europe, players play for 10.5, 11 months,” Hayes noted. “With tournaments and their timing in the football calendar, they literally get a week’s break before returning to a full 11-month season.”
For instance, Fox played a pivotal role in helping Arsenal secure the UEFA Women’s Champions League title on May 24, only to transition quickly to national team obligations in Minnesota in June, with Arsenal’s preseason set to kick off in July.
“This means the player doesn’t get an offseason,” Hayes explained. “While it may not negatively impact the U.S. women’s national team immediately, it becomes critical with the World Cup and Olympics just 12 months apart. This is the best opportunity for rest.” Hayes affirmed that while the international calendar is not under their control, ensuring player well-being is a priority.
Most call-ups for the upcoming training camp are expected to come from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which will take a break from its regular season in July. This roster may also see the return of some USWNT veterans.
Hayes expressed hope regarding Rose Lavelle’s participation; she is looking to come back after a six-month absence following ankle surgery. Lavelle recently made her return to club competition with Gotham, despite their loss to Kansas City Current.
“Very much hope that she will be with us in camp,” Hayes said. “She’s had a lengthy layoff, but we miss her at the national team.”
On a different note, forward Trinity Rodman will not be in attendance for this upcoming training camp due to an ongoing back injury. However, Hayes remains optimistic about Rodman’s anticipated return to the Washington Spirit sometime in July, stating, “She’s in great spirits, and I know we’re moving in the right direction with Trin.”
(Photo: Pau Barrena / Getty Images)
