US finalizes roster for 2023 Women's World Cup

The US team, Vietnam's group opponent, is aiming for a third consecutive Women's World Cup title despite the absence of many key players.

The US will be without 38-year-old captain Becky Sauerbrunn, who played 216 times for the national team, due to injury. Striker Mallory Swanson – who scored 32 goals in 88 games – and midfielders Sam Mewis and Catarina Macario are also absent for similar reasons.

Coach Vlatko Andonovski has placed his faith in veterans such as strikers Alex Morgan, Kelly O'Hara and Megan Rapinoe. The trio are in their fourth consecutive Women's World Cup, playing a total of 462 matches and 187 goals for their national team. Rapinoe will be 38 when the World Cup takes place.

Alex Morgan (left) and Megan Rapinoe (right) are in the US Women's World Cup for the fourth time. Photo: Reuters

The US women's team roster includes 14 players making their World Cup debut, the youngest being 18-year-old striker Alyssa Thompson. 22 players play domestically, with midfielder Lindsey Horan, 29, playing in France for Lyon.

"The players love the challenge and the competitive environment in the team," said coach Andonovski. "My squad has the depth and versatility to cope with any upcoming challenges."

When the US Women's World Cup 2023 roster was announced, a video compilation of well-wishers for the players was also posted, including US President Joe Biden and his wife, former basketball star Shaquille O'Neal, musician and singer Lil Wayne, Taylor Swift. "These female players have become an inspiration to Americans of all ages," the US President said.

The U.S. is aiming for its fifth Women’s World Cup title, following victories in 1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019. The team opens its campaign on July 22 in Auckland against Vietnam, a first-time participant. Andonovski’s team will then face the Netherlands, the defending runners-up, and Portugal. In the opening match of the 2019 World Cup, the U.S. thrashed Thailand 13-0, handing the Southeast Asian team the biggest defeat in the history of the Women’s World Cup.

The United States is the team that has won the most World Cups (four times), played the most matches (50), won the most matches (44) and scored the most goals in the history of the tournament (138 goals).

US Women's Team List for 2023 World Cup

Goalkeepers (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)

Defenders (7): Alana Cook, Sofia Huerta, Emily Sonnett (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Kelly O'Hara (Gotham FC)

Midfielders (7): Savannah DeMelo (Racing Louisville FC), Julie Ertz (Angel City FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)

Forwards (6): Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC), Lynn Williams (Gotham FC)

Hieu Luong

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