USWNT Makes History with Debuts and Preparations for Future Tournaments

omidbasir- Under head coach Hayes, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) commenced 2026 by giving debuts to three players: forwards Reilyn Turner and Maddie Dahlien, and midfielder Sally Menti. To date, Hayes has overseen the first caps of 30 players. In Saturday’s match, Turner not only started but also scored, becoming the 25th player in USWNT history to achieve this milestone on their debut.

As the team prepares for Tuesday’s match against Chile, three players—Riley Jackson, Ayo Oke, and Jordan Silkowitz—remain in pursuit of their first cap. Following the bout against Chile, Hayes will begin the process of narrowing down the player pool in anticipation of World Cup qualifying this fall.

“Today has been a dream come true, honestly,” Turner expressed after the game. “This has been my dream since I was maybe three years old. As soon as I knew what it was, I wanted to be here.”

Turner had previously participated in the 2025 Futures Camp held last January.

Midfielder Hutton is emerging as a leader within the USWNT and donned the captain’s armband after Rodman exited the game. Hayes remarked on Hutton’s potential, stating she is “a future captain in the making.” Hutton’s strong performance showcased not only impressive footwork but also a keen understanding of the game, particularly in exploiting Paraguay’s high defensive line during the second half.

“What a great learning moment for her to have that situation alongside her peers coming into the pitch,” Hayes noted. “If you’ve worked with her, she’s mature beyond her years.”

On the defensive front, goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn earned her fifth cap, playing the full 90 minutes without significant challenges. Her calm demeanor was evident as she confidently handled a cross in the 42nd minute, contributing to a solid defensive performance. McGlynn, who debuted against Argentina in 2024, became the 27th goalkeeper in USWNT history to earn a cap, marking her first appearance with a clean sheet.

Hayes has expressed confidence in Claudia Dickey and Phallon Tullis-Joyce as her top goalkeeper options, yet she continues to assess McGlynn and Laurel Ivory Silkowitz during this critical evaluation period.

Rodman, determined to score before being substituted, did just that and playfully encouraged Hayes to join her in her celebratory dance. Hayes humorously declined, stating, “I’m 49 years of age – there’s no way I’m doing that.” In her first match with the national team since April 2025, Rodman not only scored but seemed to play with a renewed sense of purpose and relief after signing a record-breaking contract with the Washington Spirit.

“She’s settled, she’s happy, and I think knowing her future is a big weight off her shoulders,” Hayes commented after the match.

Looking ahead, the USWNT will compete in the SheBelieves Cup, which promises to showcase the team’s progress against formidable opponents, including Canada, Colombia, and Argentina. Hayes emphasized the value of this tournament as a preparation ground for the upcoming World Cup.

“These are three teams that will likely be in the World Cup in 2027, and we’ll likely see Canada in World Cup qualifying at the end of the year,” Hayes stated. “Each team brings different strengths and will challenge us in different ways. That’s exactly what we need as we continue the process of building toward the big events on the horizon.”

Before turning their focus to the SheBelieves Cup, the USWNT has two more matches in January to navigate. Hayes was asked about the significance of playing lower-ranked opponents and replied, “It’s the perfect game to play. These players are building toward the start of their season in March. While Paraguay may not have the same resources we do, you can’t take anything away from the players. There’s a lot of inexperience out there—we had three debutants earning just their second or third caps.”