2025 SheBelieves Cup Preview: The USWNT vs. Colombia, Australia, and Japan
The United States has been the dominant nation in the SheBelieves Cup. It’s been an excellent way for the USWNT to test themselves against the best of the best. This year’s SheBelieves Cup will feature Japan, Australia, and Colombia, three teams ranked inside the top 21 in FIFA’s rankings. However, the United States is not bringing its best roster. With Triple Espresso resting up for the NWSL season, Emma Hayes is assessing the depth she has within a rich player pool of talent. This will be a great opportunity for someone new to make a name for themselves in a meaningful competition. Here’s our roster breakdown and preview of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
USWNT 2025 SheBelieves Cup Roster
GOALKEEPERS (2): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 8), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals; 1)
DEFENDERS (8): Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 65/3), Crystal Dunn (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 155/25), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG; 62/1), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit; 0/0), Jenna Nighswonger (Arsenal FC, ENG; 18/2), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride; 2/0), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 103/2), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC; 0/0)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 22/1), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC; 28/1), Lindsey Heaps (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 161/36), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current; 0/0), Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage; 21/8), Lily Yohannes (Ajax, NED; 2/1)
FORWARDS (7): Lynn Biyendolo (Seattle Reign FC; 75/21), Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current; 0/0), Catarina Macario (Chelsea FC, ENG; 19/8), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash; 4/0), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC; 3/1), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals; 2/0), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City FC; 13/1)
Roster Breakdown
The roster might be without some stars, but it’s still a strong group of players. Tara McKeown and Gisele Thompson are getting their first taste of the USWNT camp with the senior team. Claire Hutton and Michelle Cooper have been called into camp but have yet to make their first appearance for the Stars and Stripes. It’s a nice mix of veterans and young players, with Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn and Emily Sonnett holding down the fort at the back with Jane Campbell, Emily Fox, and Jenna Nighswonger in support.Â
Expect Korbin Albert to be a key player alongside Sam Coffey and Lindsey Heaps (Horan). Seeing Jaedyn Shaw listed as a midfielder is an interesting development. Could we see her trying out a new position to get more playing time on the field? Yazmeen Ryan, Emma Sears, Ally Sentnor, and Alyssa Thompson are all dynamic playmakers, but how will they mesh together? That’s the key for this USWNT team: how will the young stars develop and grow in this environment?Â
Lynn Biyendolo (Williams) and Catarina Macario will be doing a lot of heavy lifting regarding chance creation. Of all the players to watch, Cat Macario is the most important because she’s finally healthy and in great form. This could be the tournament where everyone sees how great she truly is.Â
USWNT vs. Colombia, Thursday: February 20 at 5:00 PM PT/8:00 PM ET, TBS, MAX, Peacock
The Colombians feature a tough team that will not back down from anyone. After putting together a great Olympic run, making it to the Quarterfinals, and taking Spain to penalties, their form has dropped off. A loss and draw to Brazil, followed by another surprising loss to Argentina, have this team winless in their last three. Expect the Colombians to be highly physical, commit a lot of fouls, and get the ball to Linda Caicedo as much as they can.Â
She’s the spark plug for their team and can create something out of nothing. This will be a test for the United States to see if the less experienced players keep their composure with the Colombians trying to get under their skin. It’s the perfect opening for the USWNT, a game they should win while dominating most of the possession.Â
USWNT vs. Australia: Sunday, February 23 at 2:00 PM PT/5:00 PM ET, TBS, MAX, Peacock
The Matildas feature their usual suspects–a group of skilled veterans always looking to break through and beat the Americans. The player to watch for the Aussies is Mary Fowler. She represents the future and could be the heir apparent to Sam Kerr, their best striker. Fowler is only 22 and has made significant contributions for Manchester City in the FA WSL.Â
The Matildas have an aging midfield, with Kyra Cooney-Cross as a young star. The USWNT midfield trio of Heaps, Coffey and Albert should have their way, the Matildas have only beaten the United States once in 33 attempts.Â
USWNT vs. Japan, Wednesday: February 26 at 7:30 PM PT/10:30 PM ET, TBS, MAX, Peacock
Japan has always been a rival of the USWNT. Plus, the scary thing is they’re only going to get better. The Japanese federation has pushed their players to go abroad, with 15 of their 23 players currently in the FA WSL and NWSL. Exposing their players to different types of play will help them acclimate to teams like the USA and England because they’ve seen the style of play and have played against their best players.
If the United States is going to lose any game in the group stage, it’s most likely this one. Japan’s tactics and ability to strike on the counter-attack make them very dangerous. They have one of the best records against the United States, as they’ve managed to tie the USA 8 times over 40 games. A 20% chance at a draw might not seem very high, but considering how great the USWNT has been historically, it’s encouraging for Japan entering this match.Â
Featured image via Getty Images
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