USWNT Kicks Off SheBelieves Cup in Nashville Against Argentina

The U.S. women’s national soccer team (USWNT) begins its preparations for the upcoming World Cup with the annual SheBelieves Cup, starting March 5, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. The tournament features teams from Argentina, Canada, and Colombia, providing a competitive environment as the USWNT gears up for its World Cup qualifying campaign later this year.

The SheBelieves Cup format includes three doubleheader events: the first match in Nashville, followed by games in Columbus, Ohio, and Harrison, New Jersey, on March 7. Historically, the USWNT has excelled in this tournament, winning seven of the previous ten editions. Last year’s champion, Japan, will not compete this time, allowing the USWNT to capitalize on its home advantage.

Veteran Roster Set for Competition

The roster announced by head coach Emma Hayes showcases a blend of experience and youth. Notable players include Emily Sonnett, who has participated in all 11 editions of the SheBelieves Cup, reflecting the depth of experience on the squad. This year marks a change, as there are no uncapped players, indicating a strategic approach to the tournament.

The roster features several players based in Europe, including Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma and Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea), and others from top clubs across the continent. This blend of domestic and international talent is designed to enhance team cohesion and performance.

The SheBelieves Cup aims to replicate the conditions of a FIFA tournament group stage, according to Hayes. “Three quality games in quick succession also allow us to replicate conditions that will prepare us for the World Cup qualifying campaign this fall,” she stated.

New Tournament Format Enhances Competition

A notable change to this year’s tournament rules is the introduction of penalty shootouts for tied matches. If a game ends in a draw, it will progress directly to penalty kicks, adding an extra layer of excitement and urgency. Teams will still accumulate points based on match results: three points for a win, one point for a tie after regulation, and an additional point for winning the penalty shootout.

The USWNT recently demonstrated its strength with a commanding 6-0 victory over Paraguay on January 24 and a 5-0 win against Chile on January 27. These results have set a positive tone as the team enters the highly competitive SheBelieves Cup.

Looking ahead, the USWNT will face Japan in a three-match series in April, providing further opportunities for preparation and evaluation before the World Cup qualifiers commence.

The SheBelieves Cup schedule is as follows:
– **Sunday, March 5,** at GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
– 11:00 a.m.: Canada vs. Colombia
– 14:00 p.m.: USWNT vs. Argentina (broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, and Peacock)

– **Wednesday, March 8,** at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, Columbus, Ohio
– 12:30 p.m.: Argentina vs. Colombia
– 15:45 p.m.: USWNT vs. Canada (broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, and Peacock)

– **March 7,** at Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
– 10:30 a.m.: Canada vs. Argentina
– 12:30 p.m.: USWNT vs. Colombia (broadcast on TNT, truTV, HBO Max, and Peacock)

The USWNT’s roster includes:
**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), 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)

As the USWNT embarks on this important tournament, fans eagerly anticipate how the team will perform against strong international competition.