The U.S. women’s national soccer team (USWNT) is set to enhance its preparations for the upcoming World Cup with the commencement of the annual SheBelieves Cup on February 25, 2026. The tournament will take place over several days and feature matches against teams from Argentina, Canada, and Colombia. This year’s competition will unfold in three doubleheader events across the United States, starting in Nashville, followed by Columbus, and concluding in Harrison, New Jersey.
The format of the SheBelieves Cup includes three doubleheaders, with the USWNT scheduled to play Argentina on the opening day. The team aims to build on its recent success, having won seven of the previous ten editions of this tournament, with Japan taking home the trophy in 2025.
The roster for this year showcases a more experienced lineup, highlighted by Emily Sonnett, who has participated in all 11 editions of the SheBelieves Cup. Notably, this is the first time under head coach Emma Hayes that the squad does not include any uncapped players. “The SheBelieves Cup is a fantastic tournament, which gives us the opportunity to replicate the group stage of a FIFA tournament,” Hayes stated. “Three quality games in quick succession also allow us to replicate conditions that will prepare us for the World Cup qualifying campaign this fall.”
Several players on the roster are based in Europe, enhancing the team’s competitive edge. Notable inclusions are Emily Fox from Arsenal, Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson from Chelsea, and Phallon Tullis-Joyce from Manchester United. Thompson, who transferred from Angel City FC to Chelsea in September, is joined by her younger sister, Gisele Thompson, and fellow defender Emily Sams from Angel City.
A notable change in this year’s tournament rules is that any match ending in a tie will proceed directly to penalty kicks. Tournament points will still be allocated based on match outcomes, with teams earning three points for a win, one point for a draw, and an additional point for winning the penalty shootout.
The USWNT opened 2026 with dominant victories, defeating Paraguay 6-0 on January 24 and Chile 5-0 on January 27. Following the SheBelieves Cup, the team is scheduled to face Japan three times in April.
SheBelieves Cup Schedule
The tournament schedule is as follows:
– **February 25, 2026**: GEODIS PARK, Nashville, Tennessee
– 11:00 a.m.: Canada vs. Colombia
– 14:00 p.m.: USWNT vs. Argentina (broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, and Peacock)
– **February 28, 2026**: ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus, Ohio
– 12:30 p.m.: Argentina vs. Colombia
– 15:45 p.m.: USWNT vs. Canada (broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, and Peacock)
– **March 7, 2026**: Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
– 10:30 a.m.: Canada vs. Argentina
– 12:30 p.m.: USWNT vs. Colombia (broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, and Peacock)
USWNT Roster
The USWNT roster for the SheBelieves Cup includes:
**Goalkeepers**:
– Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC)
– Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals)
– Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)
**Defenders**:
– Emily Fox (Arsenal FC)
– Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC)
– Avery Patterson (Houston Dash)
– Lilly Reale (Gotham FC)
– Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit)
– Emily Sams (Angel City FC)
– Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
– Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC)
– Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC)
**Midfielders**:
– Sam Coffey (Manchester City)
– Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes)
– Claire Hutton (Bay FC)
– Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage)
– Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC)
– Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC)
– Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC)
– Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes)
**Forwards**:
– Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC)
– Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC)
– Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit)
– Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC)
– Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current)
– Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC)
The USWNT’s participation in the SheBelieves Cup represents a crucial phase in their preparation for the World Cup qualifying campaign later this year. With a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the team is poised to make a strong statement in the tournament.
