USWNT Lineup Predictions for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: A Four-Point Plan
The 2026 international window may be over, but its impact will still be felt in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. With Emma Hayes' squad looking more experimental than ever, decisions on player roles and positions are crucial to the team's success. Here are four key predictions that could shape the USWNT lineup going forward.
A New Goalkeeper: No. 1 Spot Still Uncertain
With Alyssa Naeher's international retirement, a new goalkeeper is needed to fill the void. Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce seems like the frontrunner for the number one spot, showcasing exceptional shot-stopping prowess and integration into the possession scheme. Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey will provide stiff competition, but it's unclear if they can match Tullis-Joyce's performances.
Right Back: Fox Takes Center Stage
Emily Fox has established herself as a top-tier right back, starring for Arsenal and becoming one of the world's best players at her position. The question remains who will play alongside her – veteran defender Emily Sonnett or talented youngster Lilly Reale? A partnership between Fox and Sonnett could provide a solid foundation.
Midfield: Lavelle Returns to Form
The midfield is expected to be a significant area of competition, with Rose Lavelle's health status being a major concern. If she can regain her form, she'll likely return to the number 10 spot, potentially pairing up with dynamic player Croix Bethune. Lindsey Heaps and Sam Coffey will provide depth in this crucial area.
Striker: Rodman on the Right, Wilson Up Front
Trinity Rodman's impressive offseason has secured her place as a starting forward, while Sophia Wilson is expected to return from maternity leave and join Alyssa Thompson on the attacking line. With this trio in place, the USWNT will have an exciting and dynamic forward unit that can create scoring opportunities with ease.
The 2026 international window may be over, but its impact will still be felt in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. With Emma Hayes' squad looking more experimental than ever, decisions on player roles and positions are crucial to the team's success. Here are four key predictions that could shape the USWNT lineup going forward.
A New Goalkeeper: No. 1 Spot Still Uncertain
With Alyssa Naeher's international retirement, a new goalkeeper is needed to fill the void. Manchester United's Phallon Tullis-Joyce seems like the frontrunner for the number one spot, showcasing exceptional shot-stopping prowess and integration into the possession scheme. Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey will provide stiff competition, but it's unclear if they can match Tullis-Joyce's performances.
Right Back: Fox Takes Center Stage
Emily Fox has established herself as a top-tier right back, starring for Arsenal and becoming one of the world's best players at her position. The question remains who will play alongside her – veteran defender Emily Sonnett or talented youngster Lilly Reale? A partnership between Fox and Sonnett could provide a solid foundation.
Midfield: Lavelle Returns to Form
The midfield is expected to be a significant area of competition, with Rose Lavelle's health status being a major concern. If she can regain her form, she'll likely return to the number 10 spot, potentially pairing up with dynamic player Croix Bethune. Lindsey Heaps and Sam Coffey will provide depth in this crucial area.
Striker: Rodman on the Right, Wilson Up Front
Trinity Rodman's impressive offseason has secured her place as a starting forward, while Sophia Wilson is expected to return from maternity leave and join Alyssa Thompson on the attacking line. With this trio in place, the USWNT will have an exciting and dynamic forward unit that can create scoring opportunities with ease.
. Plus, Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey are pretty solid keepers on their own, so it's gonna be tough to dethrone them 
. Also, I think we should be a bit worried about Rose Lavelle getting back into form, she was injured for a while last year... 
. But hey, the midfield is deep and we've got some talented players like Croix Bethune who can fill in if needed 
. And Trinity Rodman's gonna be a game-changer up front with Sophia Wilson and Alyssa Thompson by her side 
!
! The lineup predictions are giving me LIFE 
! Phallon Tullis-Joyce as the new goalie? 
I'm feeling her, she's got that fire 
. And Fox on the right back spot? 
She's the GOAT at that position 
. Lavelle returning to form is a must-win for the team 
! It's gonna be a tough competition, but I'm confident in these girls 
#USWNT #WorldCup2026 #LineupPredictions
. She's got some awesome skills and I'm loving how the team is experimenting with different players. But, you know, it's not just about who's playing in each position – it's about working together as a team 
. I mean, we've seen Rose Lavelle have an off season before, so let's hope she comes back strong 
️ But seriously, it'll be interesting to see how Mandy McGlynn and Claudia Dickey fit into the mix. Maybe we'll get to see some new faces in the goalkeeper position, which could bring some fresh energy to the team 
And i think Emily Fox & Emily Sonnett would make an amazing right back duo 
"
fox at right back is a no-brainer, but the other positions can get sorted out. lavelle's health matters most, so if she's good to go, that's all we need 
She's already one of the best in the game! Pairing her with Sonnett could be a genius move. I'm also excited to see Rose Lavelle back in form - she's gonna bring some serious magic to that #10 spot 
. And Trinity Rodman is just on fire right now... can't wait to see Wilson and Thompson up front creating scoring chances 
I mean, who doesn't love a good goalkeeper debate? 
. And what's with all the young blood? Can't we just stick with the tried and tested (aka old) players for once? 
, and now i'm reading this article about the uswnt lineup predictions... it got me wondering if phallon tullis-joyce has ever tried pineapple pizza before 
if phallon tullis-joyce is good enough for manchester united, she should be our #1 keeper no pressure or stress. let em fox and sonnett deal with each other, they can figure out the right back spot. rose lavelle just needs to get healthy and we're golden... and can't wait to see trinity rodman and sophia wilson tear it up on the pitch! 
she seems to be a game changer for this team... but idk how much time she'll get to prove herself before the 2026 WC... and fox at rb is a no-brainer lol emily's been on fire lately 
Let's see how this all plays out before we start calling her the new Alyssa Naeher 
! But what's up with the midfield situation? Rose Lavelle's health status is super concerning 
, I hope she can get her form back ASAP. And that striker lineup though... Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Alyssa Thompson are a goalscoring machine 
what do you guys think about Emily Fox taking center stage at right back tho? should she be playing alongside Emily Sonnett or Lilly Reale instead? 