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USWNT mock roster: Predicting the final 2023 World Cup team

The USWNT is expected to name the final 2023 World Cup roster this month. (Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images)

After months of speculation, international friendlies and NWSL games, the U.S. women’s national team’s World Cup roster is almost here.

The U.S. has gotten tough injury news, welcome returns and questions surrounding player form during the most recent audition phase, leaving head coach Vlatko Andonovski without clear head-to-head performances on which to base his final decisions. Andonovski has to balance international experience, positional needs and current mentality when making his final selections, and history tells us he’ll favor consistency over everything else.

With all of these factors in mind, here is what I think the final USWNT roster for the 2023 World Cup will look like.

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Aubrey Kingsbury could overtake AD Franch for the third GK spot based on NWSL form. (Russel Lansford/USA TODAY Sports)

Goalkeepers (3)

In: Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy, Aubrey Kingsbury
On the bubble: AD Franch

For the first time in 2023, there appears to have been enough of a shift in the USWNT’s goalkeeping outlook that we might see a change to Andonovski’s final roster. Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy and Adrianna Franch — the trio that closed out 2022 for the U.S. — have each had mercurial performances in the NWSL this season, raising questions of form going into the World Cup.

Murphy has been the most consistent of the current pool, and Naeher has looked more like herself in recent weeks after a rough start to Chicago’s season. But Franch is still having trouble getting on the field, after being dropped in favor of former backup Cassie Miller, and has not excelled in limited appearances. Aubrey Kingsbury has been very steady for the Washington Spirit and has extensive experience in camp with the USWNT. Andonovski could make a last-minute shift to the hot hand for the third keeper role.

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Casey Krueger could sneak onto the USWNT roster based on her recent play. (Bill Barrett/USSF/Getty Images).

Defenders (7)

In: Naomi Girma, Becky Sauerbrunn, Alana Cook, Emily Fox, Crystal Dunn, Casey Krueger, Emily Sonnett
On the bubble: Tierna Davidson, Sofia Huerta, Kelley O’Hara

With the USWNT’s projected starting group of Girma, Sauerbrunn, Fox and Dunn all healthy heading into the roster announcement, the adjustments Andonovski might make are at the margins of the defense. Alana Cook’s experience with the U.S. system gives her an edge over high NWSL performers like the Spirit’s Sam Staab. Cook has been solid for OL Reign this season, and her comfort level at the international level is difficult to replicate.

The final utility center-back role will likely come down to Emily Sonnett and Tierna Davidson, both of whom have had touchy NWSL seasons thus far. Sonnett has taken on a holding midfield role for OL Reign, without playing many minutes at her preferred center-back position. Davidson has been a regular defensive starter for Chicago but has had trouble alongside the rest of the Red Stars’ defense, which has given up a league-leading 23 goals in 10 games.

Outside back/center-back hybrid Casey Krueger has maintained her personal standard despite Chicago’s struggles and is my sleeper candidate for the final backup outside-back role. Her inclusion would mean Andonovski has placed an emphasis on 1v1 skills over the crossing ability of Sofia Huerta, who has been steady in 2023. The other player competing for that spot, Kelley O’Hara, recently picked up another small injury, raising more questions about her durability.

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Rose Lavelle has been nursing a knee injury since April, causing concern among the fanbase. (Andrew Hancock/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Midfielders (6)

In: Julie Ertz, Andi Sullivan, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Kristie Mewis, Ashley Sanchez
On the bubble: Taylor Kornieck, Sam Coffey, Savannah DeMelo

Rose Lavelle hasn’t played in the NWSL since injuring her knee in mid-April, causing concern among the U.S. fanbase. Still, she hasn’t been officially ruled out from consideration, and she’s a player the USWNT would rely upon in tandem with Ashley Sanchez for creative playmaking in the middle of the pitch.

Julie Ertz also has gotten less playing time in her NWSL return than might have been originally hoped for. The USWNT will likely have to play her alongside presumed starter Andi Sullivan to get the most out of the 31-year-old defensive midfielder. But like with so many other positions, ambiguity in fitness and form around players Andonovski clearly favors has not stopped the U.S. head coach from taking chances in the past, and I expect very little change to the USWNT midfield prior to their first game in New Zealand.

Ertz and Sullivan are the team’s defensive midfield options, Horan and Mewis will play more connecting box-to-box roles, and Sanchez and Lavelle will be asked to provide a creative spark. If any of those players end up not being available, Taylor Kornieck and Sam Coffey will be waiting in the wings.

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Ashley Hatch could earn one of the final forward spots in Catarina Macario's absence. (Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Forwards (7)

In: Lynn Williams, Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, Ashley Hatch, Alyssa Thompson
On the bubble: Jaedyn Shaw, Midge Purce

With Catarina Macario officially removing herself from consideration for the World Cup as she continues to recover from an ACL injury, the question marks on the frontline come down to attacking philosophy. Does Macario’s absence solidify Ashley Hatch’s place as a center-forward backup, or does Andonovski cut the backup role entirely in favor of adding a different winger or creative midfielder? Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Lynn Williams have all spent time in the central attack and have the ability to make switches mid-game.

Hatch has been quietly effective in the NWSL this season and can rotate in the necessary minutes to make sure Alex Morgan can give her legs a break in the group stages. Alyssa Thompson would also give the U.S. additional winger rotation options on the left side with Rodman and Megan Rapinoe, whose ability in dead-ball situations and World Cup experience should earn her a place on the roster.

The injuries to Macario and Mallory Swanson create space for most of the obvious bubble players on the USWNT frontline, with NWSL standout Jaedyn Shaw and Gotham FC forward Midge Purce likely the first few missing out. Purce has been in and out of USWNT camp in the last calendar year. Recently, she’s been dealing with injuries that have kept her off the pitch during the crucial weeks leading up to the final roster decision.

Claire Watkins is a Staff Writer at Just Women’s Sports. Follow her on Twitter @ScoutRipley.

USWNT Star Catarina Macario Scores with $10 Million Nike Deal

USWNT star Catarina Macario poses on a poster for Nike's horror short film series.
Nike's new "Scary Good" short film campaign features USWNT star Catarina Macario. (Nike Football)

USWNT and Chelsea FC star Catarina Macario inked a 10-year, $10 million contract with Nike on Tuesday, securing one of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in the women's game.

Macario started her pro career as an Adidas athlete, but swapped brands after battling back from a long-term knee injury to win a domestic treble with WSL side Chelsea this year.

The Brazilian-born US national is also starring in Nike's "Scary Good" ad campaign, a series of short films that "pay homage to the horror and satire of late-night television with a cast of the game's most dominant attackers."

Other soccer stars joining Macario in the sportswear giant's short film series are Spain's two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and winger Salma Paralluelo, Brazil's Kerolin, and Germany's Giulia Gwinn, as well as Macario's Chelsea teammate, Australian national Sam Kerr.

"Nike has always been a part of my journey — from Surf to Stanford, to the USWNT and now Chelsea FC," Macario said in Tuesday's press release.

"Now, to be officially with the brand feels incredible. Not only because I get to join a team of football legends that have influenced my style of play since the beginning, but because I believe Nike represents the fearless spirit I try to bring with me every time I step on the pitch."

Women's soccer is blowing up on the sponsorship front, with payouts jumping from Norwegian superstar Ada Hegerberg's $1.1 Nike deal in 2020 to this week's blockbuster Macario signing.

How to watch Macario in her "Scary Good" Nike film

Catarina Macario's "Scary Good" film — dubbed "The Cold-Blooded Clinic" — will drop on July 16th on Nike Football's YouTube channel.

Waived WNBA Vet DeWanna Bonner Rejoins Phoenix Mercury After Fever Exit

Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner lines up a free throw during a 2025 WNBA game.
Offseason Indiana Fever pick-up DeWanna Bonner has rejoined the Phoenix Mercury — the team that originally drafted her in 2009. (Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

Two-time WNBA champion DeWanna Bonner is coming home, rejoining the Phoenix Mercury after parting ways with the Indiana Fever late last month.

Bonner is back with the team that originally drafted her as the fifth overall pick in 2009, inking a slightly above-minimum prorated veteran contract for the remainder of the 2025 season.

"It's home. I know I'm going to get the love and the support," Bonner said, reuniting with fiancée Alyssa Thomas on the second-place WNBA squad.

After spending her first 10 seasons with the Mercury, Phoenix traded Bonner to the Sun in February 2020.

The six-time All-Star forward spent five seasons alongside Thomas in Connecticut, helping the Sun to at least the WNBA semifinals in each of those years.

The Fever then signed Bonner as a free agent ahead of the 2025 season, with the 37-year-old later departing the team for personal reasons after just nine games with Indiana.

Bonner missed five games before the the Fever officially waived her on June 25th, as the renewed free agent reportedly eyed a move back to Phoenix.

"We couldn't be more excited to have DeWanna back in a Mercury uniform," Phoenix GM Nick U'Ren said in a statement. "She is a true winner, leader and one of the most talented and versatile players in our game."

WNBA Star Caitlin Clark Returns from Injury in Indiana Loss to Golden State

Injured Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark looks on from the bench at the 2025 WNBA Commissioner's Cup championship game.
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is available for Wednesday's WNBA game against the Golden State Valkyries. (Matt Krohn/Getty Images)

Indiana star Caitlin Clark is officially back in action, making her return to the court in Wednesday's Fever clash with Golden State to mark her first WNBA minutes since June 24th.

While the No. 6 Valkyries took the 80-61 win on Wednesday, Clark was able to log 25 minutes as well as put up 10 points, six assists, and five rebounds in her return from injury.

Prior to this season, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year had not missed a game since her sophomore year of high school in 2017.

Wednesday's return capped a five-game stretch with Clark out with a groin strain — the most recent knock to the WNBA sophomore after a quad strain sidelined her for two weeks earlier this season.

"It's obviously hard sitting out and watching for a few weeks, so I'm excited to get out there," the guard told reporters on Tuesday.

While Indiana's loss did not impact their No. 7 spot on the league table, Wednesday's other major matchups could have deeper implications for the WNBA standings:

  • No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 2 Phoenix Mercury, 3:30 PM ET (WNBA League Pass): The WNBA's top two teams will square off Wednesday afternoon, as a steady Lynx team meets a rejuvenated Mercury hot off a revenge win over Dallas on Monday.
  • No. 11 Dallas Wings vs. No. 12 Chicago Sky, 8 PM ET (WNBA League Pass): Young phenoms duke it out as the Sky honor 2021 WNBA champ and new retiree Allie Quigley — and hope to avenge Tuesday’s close loss to Washington by downing the Wings.

2025 WNBA All-Star Captains Napheesa Collier, Caitlin Clark Draft Rosters

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier celebrates a 2025 WNBA win.
2025 captain Napheesa Collier drafted her WNBA All-Star team on Tuesday. (Matt Krohn/Getty Images)

The 2025 WNBA All-Star teams are set, as captains Napheesa Collier and Caitlin Clark drafted the 20 other honored players into their final rosters live on ESPN on Tuesday night.

The draft began with the two captains selecting from the eight-player pool of fan-voted starters, before Clark and Collier each chose six athletes from the group of 12 All-Star reserves.

Both the Minnesota forward and the Indiana guard prioritized selecting their WNBA teammates, with Collier successfully grabbing Lynx guard Courtney Williams as one of her reserves while Clark's first picks in each category were fellow Fever players in starter Aliyah Boston and reserve player Kelsey Mitchell.

Collier also decided to keep her fellow UConn Huskies close, tapping alums Breanna Stewart and Paige Bueckers for her starting lineup — though she failed to pull off a trade for third alum Gabby Williams.

"I tried 😭 they didn't show that part lol," the Lynx star posted to X after the draft, referencing her attempt to roster Williams.

While Collier's strategy was to snag current and former teammates, as well as players with whom she has Unrivaled or collegiate ties, Clark approached the draft with less of a plan.

"I'm going on vibes. I'm picking whatever comes to mind. We're just having fun," joked Clark, promising "my team is going to be fun."

All-Star draft's lone trade sees head coach swap

Despite a handful of trade offers, the only swap of the Tuesday draft didn't end up involving players at all, as the All-Star leaders agreed to switch head coaches.

Coaching assignments follow fan votes and team records, with the top All-Star vote-getter paired with the coach of the league's No. 1 team, while the No. 2 team coach leads the squad captained by the player who garnered the second-most votes.

As such, Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve was initially assigned to Team Clark, with Collier's squad led by New York boss Sandy Brondello.

Following both Collier's strategy of prior connections and, perhaps, Clark's emphasis on vibes, the pair agreed to switch sideline leaders, keeping the Lynx lineup together and sending the reigning WNBA champion to helm Clark's crew.

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game rosters

Team Clark:

  • Starters: Aliyah Boston (Indiana), Sabrina Ionescu (New York), A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas), Satou Sabally (Phoenix)
  • Reserves: Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana), Gabby Williams (Seattle), Sonia Citron (Washington), Kiki Iriafen (Washington), Jackie Young (Las Vegas), Kayla Thornton (Golden State)
  • Head coach: Sandy Brondello (New York)

Team Collier:

  • Starters: Breanna Stewart (New York), Allisha Gray (Atlanta), Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle), Paige Bueckers (Dallas)
  • Reserves: Courtney Williams (Minnesota), Skylar Diggins (Seattle), Angel Reese (Chicago), Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix), Kelsey Plum (LA), Rhyne Howard (Atlanta)
  • Head coach: Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota)

How to watch the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game

Team Collier and Team Clark will square off in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis at 8:30 PM ET on July 19th.

Live coverage of the game will air on ABC.

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