USWNT resumes World Cup preparation with SheBelieves Cup

After starting 2026 with a pair of friendlies in California, the U.S. women’s national soccer team kicks up the competition, starting Sunday with the annual SheBelieves Cup.

The USWNT will be joined by Argentina, Canada and Colombia in this year’s tournament. The format features three doubleheaders: Sunday in Nashville, Wednesday in Columbus, Ohio and March 7 in Harrison, New Jersey.

Of the previous 10 editions, the USWNT has won seven. Japan won last year’s tournament.

The roster features a more veteran look, including Emily Sonnett, who has appeared in all 11 editions of the tournament. There are no uncapped players on the roster for the first time since Emma Hayes took over.

“The SheBelieves Cup is a fantastic tournament, which gives us the opportunity to replicate the group stage of a FIFA tournament,” Hayes said. “Three quality games in quick succession also allow us to replicate conditions that will prepare us for the World Cup qualifying campaign this fall.”

The roster includes players based in Europe: Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), Sam Coffey (Manchester City), Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes) and Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United).

Joining Thompson, who in September was transferred from Angel City FC to Chelsea, are younger sister Gisele Thompson and her new Angel City teammate, fellow defender Emily Sams.

In a change to this year’s tournament, if a game ends in a tie, it will progress directly to penalty kicks. The winner of the tournament will still be determined by total points. Teams will get three points for a win, one point for a tie after regulation, and another point for winning the penalty kick shootout.

The USWNT kicked off 2026 with a 6-0 win over Paraguay on Jan. 24 and a 5-0 win over Chile on Jan. 27.

In April, the USWNT will face Japan three times (April 11, 14 and 17).

SheBelieves Cup schedule

Sunday, GEODIS PARK, Nashville, Tenn.

11 a.m.: Canada vs. Colombia

2 p.m.: USWNT vs. Argentina (TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Peacock)

Wednesday, ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus, Ohio

12:30 p.m.: Argentina vs. Colombia

3:45 p.m.: USWNT vs. Canada (TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Peacock)

March 7, Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, N.J.

10:30 a.m.: Canada vs. Argentina

12:30 p.m.: USWNT vs. Colombia (TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Peacock)

USWNT roster

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, ENG), 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)