The clock is ticking for the U.S. women’s national team with World Cup qualifying just seven months away. The team will face Japan as part of a crucial stretch for preparation with a three-game slate over eight days in April.
Japan is set to face the USWNT following an epic victory at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. They outscored their opponents 29-1 and defeated Australia, 1-0 at home in front of nearly 75,000 fans at Stadium Australia to lift the trophy.
The three-game international window will offer a rare and revealing test against a familiar rival with the Concacaf W Championship (World Cup qualifiers) looming later in the year. Head coach Emma Hayes has named a 26-player roster for the trio of friendlies, with some key experienced players back in the mix, and a clear signal that the experiments with player pool expansion are coming to a close.
Returning to the roster after lengthy absences are defender Tierna Davidson and forward Sophia Wilson. Davidson was a member of the 2019 World Cup winning team, the 2020 Olympic roster, and the 2024 Olympic gold medal winning team. The 27-year-old centerback returns after 13 months, following a recovery from an ACL injury sustained at the beginning of the 2025 NWSL season.
Wilson returns to the roster after 15 months, following maternity leave and the birth of her daughter, Gigi, with husband NFL wide receiver Michael Wilson. Wilson is one of the top attacking players in the USWNT program, with 58 appearances and 24 goals, and was part of the 2023 USWNT World Cup roster. During the USWNT’s 2024 Olympic gold medal run, she was part of the “Triple Espresso” attacking line alongside Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson, scoring three goals and recording two assists.
Goalkeeper Jane Campbell returns to the roster for the first time since February 2025, and forward Michelle Cooper returns for the first time in 2026 after recovering from a foot injury.
“As our team continues to evolve, it will be great to welcome back Sophia and Tierna, who are not only great players but also contribute positively to our team environment,” said Hayes.
“Japan is undoubtedly one of the top teams in the world, and they are performing at a very high level coming off their Asian Cup title, which was impressive to watch. Playing the same country three times in a row, and especially a team that is as dedicated to their style as Japan, will be a massive test for our team, and I’m looking forward to seeing how our team handles the numerous challenges these games will present.”
USWNT roster vs. Japan
Listed by position (Club; Caps/Goals)
Goalkeepers (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash, 10), Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 8), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United; 6)
Defenders (9): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC; 67/3), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 74/1), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC; 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; 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; 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)
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