USWNT announces 2023 World Cup roster led by Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan

The kids are here to play. 

Head coach Vlatko Andonovski announced the roster of the 23-player U.S. women’s national soccer team on Wednesday ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and they’ve got a younger look led by the pros.  

“The task of selecting a World Cup team is never easy, but I’m proud of the players for their work ethic and focus during the process and of our coaching staff for doing the work to put together the best team possible,” Andonovski said, according to ESPN. 

“Every player has a different journey to get to this point, so our roster has some amazing stories, and we have a really good mix of veterans and younger players.”

While the squad is spearheaded by veterans like Alex Morgan, 33, and Megan Rapinoe, 37 –– both selected for the fourth time in their careers –– 14 players on the 2023 team are making their World Cup debuts. 

This year’s tournament will likely be Morgan and Rapinoe’s last crack at World Cup glory.

While the veteran duo is headed to New Zealand as the defending back-to-back champions, this year’s group is also one of the youngest –– and most inexperienced –– the U.S. has put forth. 

It will be up to the new generation of USWNT players to preserve their predecessor’s legacy. 

Captain Becky Sauerbrunn announced on Twitter on Friday that a foot injury would keep her out of the World Cup.

“Heartbroken isn’t even the half of it,” the post read. “This program has always been about the collective and I have no doubt that the twenty-three players on the final roster have everything they need –– in their feet, their head and their hearts –– to bring our fifth trophy home.” 

Sauerbrunn helped lead the U.S. to World Cup titles in both 2015 and 2019.

There’s also a Mallory Swanson-sized hole in the roster. The star striker tore the patellar tendon in her left knee in April, sidelining her for the tournament. 

Despite the losses, the U.S. still will head to Australia and New Zealand next months as one of the favorites.

Midfielder Julie Ertz –– coming off a knee injury and giving birth in August –– secured a spot on the roster along with her Angel City FC teammate Alyssa Thompson.

Thompson, 18, is the youngest on the roster and was the 2023 NWSL No. 1 pick.

The fiery midfielder is one of the up-and-coming players who will strive to have a big impact this summer.

Forward Sophia Smith, 22, and center back Naomi Girma, 23, are also ones to look out for.

Smith was the NWSL’s most valuable player last year and Girma was named the league’s rookie and defender of the year this season. 

“I think the younger players bring a new energy,” Girma said, according to FIFA. “I think just having each other to lean on, and also having the older players guiding us, has been a really great mix.”

The U.S. enters the World Cup as the No. 1 ranked team and will open its tournament run on July 22 in Auckland against Vietnam in Group E play. 

Here’s a look at the complete roster: 

GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury* (Washington Spirit; 1), Casey Murphy* (North Carolina Courage; 14), Alyssa Naeher*** (Chicago Red Stars; 90)

DEFENDERS (7): Alana Cook* (OL Reign; 24/1), Crystal Dunn** (Portland Thorns FC; 131/24), Emily Fox* (North Carolina Courage; 28/1), Naomi Girma* (San Diego Wave FC; 15/0), Sofia Huerta* (OL Reign; 29/0), Kelley O’Hara**** (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 157/3), Emily Sonnett** (OL Reign; 74/1)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Savannah DeMelo* (Racing Louisville FC; 0/0), Julie Ertz*** (Angel City FC; 118/20), Lindsey Horan** (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 128/27), Rose Lavelle** (OL Reign; 88/24), Kristie Mewis* (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 51/7), Ashley Sanchez* (Washington Spirit; 24/3), Andi Sullivan* (Washington Spirit; 44/3)

FORWARDS (6): Alex Morgan**** (San Diego Wave FC; 206/121), Megan Rapinoe**** (OL Reign; 199/63), Trinity Rodman* (Washington Spirit; 17/2), Sophia Smith* (Portland Thorns FC; 29/12), Alyssa Thompson* (Angel City FC; 3/0), Lynn Williams* (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 52/15)