The United States women's national team will bring 23 players to compete at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand this summer, including five that were part of title-winning 2015 and 2019 teams. But which players will make the biggest difference for the U.S. on their quest to soccer immortality?
Two-time World Cup winner and USWNT legend Carli Lloyd is counting down the 15 players she thinks will be the most important for the Stars and Stripes this summer.
Age: 23
Hometown: San Jose, California
Club: San Diego Wave
Position: Center back
USWNT caps: 15
Why she's so important: A former first-round pick in the NWSL college draft, the well-positioned and collected defender is a stalwart at the back for the United States. Girma also has a tendency to send probing service up into the attack in addition to her defensive abilities.
Age: 33
Hometown: Diamond Bar, California
Club: San Diego Wave
Position: Forward
USWNT caps: 206
Why she's so important: Alex Morgan is back again for the United States. Morgan's 21 goals in 206 appearances for the USWNT is good enough for fifth all-time, and her team will be counting on her to add to that tally in Australia and New Zealand this summer as she's the only true No. 9 on the roster. If the U.S. is going to complete the record-breaking three-peat, Morgan will have to bang in goals.
Age: 30
Birthplace: New Hyde Park, New York
Club: Portland Thorns
Position: Fullback
USWNT caps: 131
Why she's so important: Crystal Dunn will be a huge asset for Vlatko Andonovski and Co. in Australia and New Zealand. The 2015 NWSL MVP brings versatility to the back line with her ability to jump into the attack and send deadly crosses into the box. With over 100 caps under her belt, Dunn brings a calming experience to the roster.
Age: 31
Birthplace: Mesa, Arizona
Club: Angel City FC
Position: Central midfielder
USWNT caps: 118
Why she's so important: We shouldn't have ever doubted that the legendary Julie Ertz would make her return to the World Cup stage. The new mom is back in the fold for the USWNT, and she couldn't have come at a better time, as Ertz could be the missing piece in the midfield of the back line. Her ability to put out fires will be a huge asset for the U.S.
Age: 21
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, California
Club: Washington Spirit
Position: Forward
USWNT caps: 17
Why she's so important: The recepient of the 2021 USWNT Young Player of the Year award, Trinity Rodman is set to make her debut at this summer's World Cup. Rodman's speed, athletic ability and technical skill make her stand out on any pitch in the world. With only two goals to her name for the U.S., you can count on Rodman to add to that tally this summer.
Age: 35
Birthplace: Bridgeport, Connecticut
Club: Chicago Red Stars
Position: Goalkeeper
USWNT caps: 90
Why she's so important: Alyssa Naeher, the projected starting keeper for the USWNT in Australia and New Zealand, will need to come up with more than a handful of huge save if the USWNT is to three-peat. The Chicago Red Stars keeper possesses amazing shot-stopping ability, paired with adept distribution and passing skills.
Age: 18
Hometown: Studio City, California
Club: Angel City
Position: Forward
USWNT caps: 3
Why she's so important: The Angel City FC starlet might be one of the youngest players at the World Cup, but doubt her at your own risk. Her ability to carve up defense has been on full display in her first pro season for ACFC. It takes seconds with the ball at her feet for you to realize she can be something special.
Age: 34
Hometown: Fayetteville, Georgia
Club: NY/NJ Gotham FC
Position: Fullback
USWNT caps: 157
Why she's so important: Kelley O'Hara is one of three USWNT players that will play at their for World Cup this summer. With over 150 caps to her name, she has the experience Vlatko Andonovski will count on as 14 players on the roster will be making their World Cup debut.
Age: 37
Hometown: Redding, California
Club: OL Reign
Position: Forward
USWNT caps: 199
Why she's so important: Headed for what will be her final run at the World Cup, Rapinoe is already a legend of the game, but she'll look to add to her distinguished resume this summer. The 2019 Ballon d'Or winner will be counted on yet again to bring her flair to the USWNT attack. If she isn't starting, she will undoubtedly be making appearances off of the bench.
Age: 30
Hometown: Fresno, California
Club: NJ/NY Gotham
Position: Forward
USWNT caps: 52
Why she's so important: One of the most in-form players in the NWSL this season is set for a big summer. Williams' speed and evolution of her game make her a massive threat up top for the United States. If the Gotham FC forward can carry her play at the club level to the World Cup, watch out.
Age: 27
Hometown: Lorton, Virginia
Club: Washington Spirit
Position: Defensive midfielder
USWNT caps: 44
Why she's so important: The Washington Spirit midfielder will have to play a key role this summer for the USWNT if they are to make a deep run. As another wildly talented player with no World Cup experience, Sullivan can provide technical proficiency to the middle of the park for the U.S.
Age: 24
Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia
Club: North Carolina Courage
Position: Fullback
USWNT caps: 28
Why she's so important: The United States' starting right back might not have any World Cup experience under her belt, but don't let that fool you. Fox, a stalwart at the back for the NWSL's North Carolina Courage, brings skills and a tactical understanding to the back of the line that are well beyond her 28 caps for the U.S.
The countdown will continue up to the start of the Women's World Cup on July 20.
