The Road to the 2027 Women’s World Cup

The 2027 Women’s World Cup is approaching—just under a year to go! Meanwhile, the U.S. women’s national team is busy assessing the available talent. They still need to qualify for the event, and that challenge arises in November at the Concacaf W Championship. The upcoming months are critical for younger players who might help elevate the USWNT to be a leading contender next summer.

To secure their fifth World Cup title, the USWNT will rely heavily on these younger athletes to shine in key moments, especially under pressure. It’s not just about filling out the roster for depth, but also about some of these players stepping into starting roles. Perhaps it’s those under 23 years old who can bring fresh energy to drive the U.S. back to the top.

Let’s take a closer look at five promising young players whose development could really benefit the USWNT in the months ahead.

Lily Yohannes (19, midfielder)

Yohannes is in a great position to potentially secure a starting role. Her ability to connect passes, advance the play, and her increasing defensive skills could make her a multifaceted threat. A USWNT with Yohannes in the lineup seems to be the strongest version of the team. If she continues on her upward trajectory, she might be just what coach Emma Hayes needs to steer the team towards victory.

Ally Sentnor (22, forward)

The competition is tough for forward positions. Sentnor recently joined the Angel City FC and has a chance this year to prove her worth both at the club and national level. She has a knack for scoring, but if she can enhance her consistency, she could be a solid asset off the bench behind players like Mallory Swanson, Sophia Wilson, and Trinity Rodman. Yet, it’s imperative that she demonstrates her effectiveness against the top international teams.

Gisele Thompson (20, defender)

Thompson stands out as an intriguing option on the defensive flanks. Her overlapping play, especially when paired with her sister Alyssa, is quite captivating. It’ll be crucial for her to improve defensively and to build the strength necessary to contend with elite strikers and wingers globally. Balancing her creative offensive play with solid defensive skills could make her a challenge for other teams to handle.

Claire Hutton (20, midfielder)

Just six months back, Hutton seemed indispensable to the team. She played at such a high level that the squad benefited greatly from her presence. Now, after moving to Bay FC, it seems she’s adapting to a different style of play, yet she must remain a cornerstone of the national team. Whether as a solo defensive midfielder or teamed with Sam Coffey, Hutton needs to combine her vision and creativity to advance attacks while also being a staunch first line of defense. Enhancing her prowess into that of a world-class player could potentially elevate the USWNT’s chances significantly.

Jordyn Bugg (20, defender)

Bugg has a significant chance to progress from being a marginal USWNT player to securing a spot on the World Cup squad. With Emily Sonnett sidelined due to a ruptured patellar tendon until at least early 2027, Bugg could really step up. To find her place along the back line, she’ll need to effectively neutralize top scorers. This is her moment to demonstrate her abilities while Sonnett is out—if she can seize this opportunity, who knows what could happen?