The 2023 Women’s World Cup, the ninth edition of the tournament, will be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20. The United States will be bidding for a record third successive title.
Here are five U.S. players to watch out for:
Sophia Smith
Smith, the reigning NWSL MVP and US Soccer Player of the Year, will be central to the team’s chances as the 22-year-old heads to her first World Cup in solid form.
The forward scored her 31st goal for Portland Thorns in her final NWSL game last month before the World Cup, becoming the youngest player in the league’s history to score 30 goals – a record previously held by Australia’s Sam Kerr.
Smith’s clinical finishing and ability to create chances make her a defender’s nightmare.
Alex Morgan
Veteran Morgan played a major role in the Americans’ triumph at the last World Cup, bagging six goals and three assists as she won the Silver Boot. The 34-year-old, along with the experienced Megan Rapinoe, will be playing at her fourth World Cup in the Southern Hemisphere.
Morgan, twice named U.S. Soccer’s Female Athlete of the Year, is a regular scorer for the USWNT and her club San Diego Wave.
Capable of link play in midfield and efficiency up top, Morgan is a “true No. 9”, according to coach Vlatko Andonovski.
Trinity Rodman
The 21-year-old forward, the daughter of retired NBA star Dennis Rodman, is one of the up-and-coming players in the USWNT squad and has scored two goals and registered three assists in 17 appearances since making her debut last year.
Rodman, the youngest drafted player in NWSL history, is a tremendous finisher and is also known for her creativity.
She will likely feature on the right side of the team’s front three.
Naomi Girma
Girma earned her spot in the World Cup squad after her breakthrough in 2022 and has become a poised and consistent presence in the backline.
The 23-year-old defender can read the play very well and is tipped to be an important member of the team in the coming years. Her presence in the defense will also be crucial this time with captain Becky Sauerbrunn was ruled out due to injury.
Girma, who is with San Diego Wave, will be playing at her first senior World Cup, having represented the U.S. at two youth World Cups. She has 15 caps for the four-times world champions.
Megan Rapinoe
The oldest player in the U.S. squad at 37, Rapinoe is gearing up for what would likely be her final World Cup.
The blue-haired forward played a heroic role in their title victory last time out, but the coach has said her minutes will be limited this time, with the younger players likely to get the nod.
Nonetheless, Rapinoe’s experience and leadership qualities make her a vital presence in the squad, and the 2019 Golden Boot and Golden Ball winner can be entrusted with making an impact off the bench.
Fans will hope she is fit and ready for their opening match as she recovers from a calf injury she picked up last month while playing for her club OL Reign.
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