Hayes Announces 26-Player Roster for April’s Japan Matches

U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has unveiled a 26-player roster for upcoming matches against Japan. This training camp precedes three crucial games planned for April 2026, showcasing a blend of experience and youth.

Roster Highlights and Key Returns

The roster for the matches against Japan marks significant returns. Sophia Wilson, a forward, joins the team after a 17-month hiatus following her pregnancy. The 25-year-old Wilson boasts 58 caps and 24 international goals, impressive achievements including three goals at the 2024 Olympics. Defender Tierna Davidson also makes a return after recovering from an ACL injury. She has accumulated 67 caps and three goals during her international career.

Current Roster Breakdown

The U.S. team consists of 23 field players and three goalkeepers. The squad includes:

• Goalkeepers (3):
  • Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 10 caps)
  • Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC; 8 caps)
  • Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United; 6 caps)
• Defenders (9):
  • Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC; 67 caps, 3 goals)
  • Emily Fox (Arsenal FC; 74 caps, 1 goal)
  • Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC; 52 caps, 2 goals)
  • Avery Patterson (Houston Dash; 10 caps, 1 goal)
  • Lilly Reale (Gotham FC; 7 caps)
  • Emily Sams (Angel City FC; 9 caps, 1 goal)
  • Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC; 115 caps, 2 goals)
  • Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 7 caps)
  • Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC; 4 caps)
• Midfielders (7):
  • Sam Coffey (Manchester City; 44 caps, 5 goals)
  • Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes; 173 caps, 39 goals)
  • Claire Hutton (Bay FC; 15 caps, 1 goal)
  • Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC; 118 caps, 27 goals)
  • Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC; 15 caps, 5 goals)
  • Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC; 34 caps, 10 goals)
  • Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes; 16 caps, 1 goal)
• Forwards (7):
  • Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 10 caps, 1 goal)
  • Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC; 4 caps, 1 goal)
  • Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 52 caps, 13 goals)
  • Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 17 caps, 6 goals)
  • Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current; 18 caps, 7 goals)
  • Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC; 29 caps, 4 goals)
  • Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns FC; 58 caps, 24 goals)

Upcoming Matches Against Japan

The U.S. Women’s National Team will face Japan in a three-game series, with the first match set for April 11, 2026. The games will take place at:

• April 11: PayPal Park, San Jose, CA (2:30 PM PT)
• April 14: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA (7:00 PM PT)
• April 17: DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, CO (7:00 PM MT)

These matches will serve as a significant test for the U.S. team against the current AFC Women’s Asian Cup champions. Coach Emma Hayes emphasizes the challenges posed by Japan, a highly disciplined and skilled side.

Player Statistics and Performance

This camp’s average age is 25.2, up from previous rosters, reflecting the inclusion of experienced players like Wilson and Davidson. The average caps per player is 37.4, indicating a more seasoned roster.

• Key Statistics:
  • Ten players on the roster have scored for the U.S. in 2026.
  • Lindsey Heaps leads with 39 international goals.
  • Four players boast over 100 caps.

The upcoming series against Japan marks an important chapter for the U.S. Women’s National Team as they build momentum heading towards future competitions. With a blend of returning talent and promising youth, the team is poised for success.