Gisele Thompson Aims for Growth as USWNT Prepares for 2026

Gisele Thompson, a promising player from Angel City Football Club, is gearing up for a pivotal year as she trains with the senior U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). With four international appearances last season and a busy schedule leading into the 2026 World Cup, Thompson is focused on enhancing her performance and durability.

Thompson’s Focus on Consistency and Durability

During a recent training session at Dignity Health Sports Park, Thompson emphasized the importance of maintaining her physical fitness. “I think just being consistent in my abilities is crucial,” she stated. “The coaches told me that I need durability, especially since there are so many games in such a short period of time.” Last season, Thompson faced challenges with injuries, which affected her ability to stay on the field. She aims to improve her resilience as the USWNT prepares for a demanding 2026.

To achieve her goals, Thompson is committed to rigorous training routines and nutritional strategies. “Weight room, nutrition. There’s a lot that goes into it,” she noted, highlighting the support she receives from her team. “I have such an amazing support team to help me through it.” With two years of professional experience under her belt, she feels more equipped to navigate the demands of a professional athlete.

Upcoming Matches and Competitive Atmosphere

The USWNT kicks off its 2026 campaign with an exhibition match against Paraguay on January 27, 2026, at 14:30. Following this, the team will travel to Santa Barbara to face Chile next Tuesday. Thompson, who opted to turn professional instead of attending college, has quickly made her mark in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), participating in 18 games as a rookie and 23 games last season. She recently signed a contract extension with Angel City that will keep her with the club until 2029.

This training camp features players exclusively from the NWSL, creating a highly competitive environment. “Everyone’s wanting their spot, so it’s super competitive,” Thompson explained. “It’s always competitive, no matter where you are, whether at Angel City or in the NWSL; all the teams are competitive.” The next significant event for the USWNT will be the SheBelieves Cup in March, where they will face Argentina, Colombia, and Canada.

In related news, U.S. Soccer will hold a pregame retirement celebration for former player Christen Press before the match against Paraguay. Press, who retired in October 2023, made an impressive 155 appearances for the national team, scoring 64 goals and providing 43 assists. She was a vital part of the teams that won the World Cup in 2015 and 2019 and contributed to the bronze medal-winning team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

As Thompson prepares for the upcoming season, her determination to enhance her skills and contribute to the USWNT underscores the competitive spirit within women’s soccer. With a busy year ahead, fans will be watching closely to see how this young talent continues to evolve.