Emma Hayes just led the USWNT to another SheBelieves Cup title. Now the real work begins. She's got only six more international windows before naming her World Cup squad for Brazil 2027.
Here's the thing that makes predictions tricky: Hayes has experimented like crazy. She's handed out 32 international debuts in her first 32 games in charge. That's way more than any previous USWNT coach over the same period.
But Hayes herself has made it clear there's no such thing as one "best" lineup. Different opponents require different approaches. You don't play the same way against a team parking the bus as you do against a heavyweight contender.
Still, we're taking a crack at predicting who Hayes will trust when it matters most. This isn't who we'd pick - it's our best guess at how Hayes is thinking based on everything we've seen.
The Goalkeeping Battle
Phoebe Tullis-Joyce seems to have the edge over Mandy Haught Dickey right now. Both keepers have gotten roughly equal playing time, but Tullis-Joyce got the nod for the big SheBelieves Cup game against Canada.
Hayes has praised Tullis-Joyce's improvement with the ball at her feet and her vocal leadership. Dickey is absolutely brilliant at shot-stopping, so this race isn't over. But Tullis-Joyce looks like the front-runner heading into 2027.
Defense: Some Locks, Some Questions
Naomi Girma at center back and Emily Fox at right back are absolute locks. Both are world-class at their positions and will anchor Hayes' defense.
Jenna Reale appears to be winning the left back spot. She had an incredible year with Gotham FC, winning NWSL Rookie of the Year while helping the club capture both the NWSL Championship and Concacaf crown. She can defend tough and push forward to attack.
The bigger question is who partners Girma at center back. Tierna Davidson was Hayes' preferred choice before tearing her ACL last year - her second torn ACL in three years. If she's healthy and back to form, she's the pick. She's left-footed, which perfectly complements Girma.
Emily Sonnett is the backup plan, and honestly, she's been so reliable that she could easily start. Don't be surprised if health concerns push Hayes toward Sonnett's dependability.
The Girma-Davidson partnership would be ideal for bettors looking at defensive stability metrics. But Davidson's injury history is a real concern when placing any futures bets on defensive performance.
Midfield: Experience Meets Youth
Rose Lavelle is playing the best football of her career right now. If she stays healthy and in form, she's probably the first name on the team sheet. There's simply no one else like her in the player pool.
Sam Coffey is equally certain to start in the holding midfielder role. Her game keeps improving, and her recent move to Manchester City will only make her better. Together, Lavelle and Coffey provide the perfect balance.
The third midfield spot gets interesting. Lindsey Horan is the captain and most experienced player. She'll be 33 at the World Cup, but her tactical intelligence is invaluable. Hayes values veterans down the spine of the team.
However, Lily Yohannes is the most technically gifted young midfielder in the pool. At just 20 during the World Cup, she brings sublime vision and passing. Hayes will likely rotate between Horan and Yohannes depending on the opponent.
Korbin Albert is another option for more defensive-minded games. The depth here is excellent, which means Hayes can manage minutes and keep everyone fresh.
Attack: Where It Gets Really Complicated
This is where Hayes earns her million-dollar salary. Alyssa Thompson is the most consistent, in-form winger right now. She's been tearing up defenses in both NWSL and the WSL. At 21, she's undroppable.
Trinity Rodman brings that X-factor creativity and swagger. When healthy, she's special. Her nose for goal and confidence make her a game-changer.
The No. 9 position is wide open. Catarina Macario has staked her claim as a false 9 who loves to combine with teammates. But Sophia Smith will challenge her when she returns from maternity leave. Smith stretches defenses and brings intense defensive pressure.
Then there's Mallory Swanson, also returning from maternity leave. The old "Triple Espresso" front three of Smith, Swanson, and Rodman was lethal. Can Hayes resist reuniting them?
The betting angle here is fascinating. Having so many quality attackers means the USWNT could approach different games completely differently. Over/under goal totals could vary wildly depending on which combination Hayes deploys.
Against weaker opponents, expect Yohannes in midfield with freedom to attack, plus Thompson and Rodman stretching defenses. This aggressive setup should produce goals. Against stronger teams, expect Korbin Albert and Coffey as a double pivot with Lavelle ahead, and Macario pulling defenders out of position.
The good news? Imagine bringing any of these players off the bench. Add in Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor, who can play multiple positions, and Hayes has incredible options.
Bottom line: The USWNT's "best XI" isn't really eleven players. It's finding the right combination from about 15 players depending on the opponent. That flexibility makes them dangerous - and a solid betting proposition for the tournament overall.
