The match is the launch point for U.S. squad missing several stars, including Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman and Naomi Girma
For the last decade, the SheBelieves Cup has proved to be a vital test for the U.S. women's national team – and they have consistently passed with flying colors. This will be the 10th iteration of this tournament, and the USWNT has won seven of the previous nine, last losing back in 2019.
But as the tournament kicks off again this week, this USWNT is in a different place. It's younger and accomplished – including the 2024 Olympic gold medal, just 10 games into Emma Hayes' coaching tenure – but also less experienced. This team, more than ever, needs these types of competitive games as Hayes continues to turn over of the player pool.
That process continues in a match against Colombia at 8 p.m. Thursday in Houston, their first of the tournament. On paper, Colombia is the weakest of the teams in the pool, trailing the U.S., Japan and Australia. The USWNT next play Australia Sunday night in Phoenix, and then Japan next Wednesday in San Diego.
Hayes could take a few risks in the Colombia game. This lineup could be the most experimental and, perhaps the most youth-focused, of the tournament. The match marks the launch point for this group, one lacking several of its biggest stars – including the likes of Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, Naomi Girma and Rose Lavelle. It could also be a launch point for individuals.
This roster has 16 players with fewer than 25 caps, and 12 of those have fewer than 10. This first game should be a good introduction for both the group and several younger players. GOAL takes a look at five storylines for the USWNT opener of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
Getty Images SportLessons from the past
These two teams played a year ago. The USWNT ran away as 3-0 winners. This isn't the same U.S. team, though. Not even close.
For one, Hayes has arrived and she's rebuilt this program almost instantly, with the USWNT unbeaten in her first 15 matches. They won the Olympic gold and since, she's begun to usher in a new era led by multiple new faces. Gone is the legendary Alex Morgan, who assisted on the second goal in that game last year. Gone is trusted goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who has retired from international competition. Girma, Rodman, Wilson and Lavelle all featured in last year's game, but aren't in this camp.
Because of that, there isn't much you can take away from the last meeting – although there is a history of USWNT dominance in this rivalry. The U.S. is 9-0-1 against Colombia all-time, and they'll certainly be favorites to make it 10 wins. To get there, though, several new faces will have to step up and make their own mark.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesBalancing minutes
Every tournament is a balancing act. Games come thick and fast, so keeping players relatively fresh is always key. For this particular camp, though, fitness will be even more of a storyline.
There are several key players traveling back from their clubs in Europe, with Thursday's match coming on very short rest for those who played over the weekend. Emily Fox, for example, scored for Arsenal on Sunday before flying across the Atlantic – how many minutes is she good for Thursday? Fox is one of seven USWNT players coming from Europe, and you can argue that all are worthy of a starting job in this camp.
Then there's players from the NWSL. Those players, Hayes noted, are in preseason at the moment. It's why she chose an extra outfield player instead of a third goalkeeper. She knows those players aren't all three-games-in-six-days fit, and she knows she'll have to rotate players in and out of the XI in order to strike that balance.
So heading into Thursday's game, expect there to be some tough decisions. The lineup for will look different than the other two games, as Hayes look to build this team through the competition. With that in mind, expect some important players to miss out on this initial XI as the Hayes makes decisions on the fitness levels of her squad.
Getty Images SportSister act
You're not seeing double. Yes, both Thompson sisters are on this roster, and both could very well start on Thursday night. Just by being named to the squad, Alyssa and Gisele Thompson have become the third set of sisters to be called into a USWNT camp together. It's a goal they've had for quite a while. Since childhood, the two have idolized Serena and Venus Williams for their abilities to not just play at a high level, but to do so together.
Now, they'll have their own chance to make their own mark on women's soccer.
Alyssa Thompson has already gotten plenty of experience. Still just 20, she has a World Cup appearance under her belt, although her real breakout began at the tail end of 2024. She's still young, but the Angel City star is beginning to show signs of being a legitimate threat on the wing on the international stage.
Her sister, Gisele, plays in a position of need: right-back. Fox is the go-to starter there, but there's a need for a backup. The younger Thompson could be just that after clearly impressing during Futures Camp.
The question will be when, not if, we see them on the field together in a USWNT shirt. It could happen as soon as Thursday. You can argue that it should. With Fox on short rest, it would make sense to start the younger Thompson in defense. Her older sister, meanwhile, seems ready for a big opportunity on the wing without Triple Espresso in camp.
As a result, Thursday night's match could go down as a memorable moment for those two and, perhaps, the start of a new era for two players that could be key for the U.S. over the next decade.
GettyCatarina Macario returns
Catarina Macario made her long-awaited return during last year's SheBelieves Cup but, as it turned out, it didn't last long. She was injured again, derailing any hopes of an Olympic run. She's back now, though, and has games – and goals – under her belt. For the first time in several years, she's inching closer to something resembling her best.
Macario will be a key player in this camp, with Hayes pointing out her ability to contribute in different positions. Although she's more traditionally a No. 10, she may play as a No. 9 in this camp, given the lack of striker options. It'll be interesting to see how she handles that challenge. More interesting, though, will be how she plays in general.
At her best, Macario is an elite talent, one that would star for most teams in the world. For several years, the USWNT has essentially played without her. Against Colombia, she can reintroduce herself to the world by proving that she's fit and getting back to her best.