Grateful to Alex Morgan & Megan Rapinoe, USWNT Star Remembers ‘Difficult’ 2023 World Cup Situation

Did you know 14 new players were called up to the USWNT’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup roster—3 more than in the 2019 edition? Yet, then-manager Vlatko Andonovski faced criticism for assembling a mixed squad comprising players from different age groups. This is considered one of the reasons for their failure last year, but Alyssa Thompson claims that being “surrounded by so many veterans” like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe actually helped youngsters like her a lot.

Of course, a few of the players in their prime as well as the seasoned veterans who flew to Australia and New Zealand knew how things work when playing a prestigious tournament like the World Cup. However, young wonder kids like Thompson, who herself got into Vlatko’s team at just 18, certainly had extra pressure. Luckily, she was able to handle the rollercoaster of emotions.

“I handled it like an 18-year-old would, just going through it,” began the Angel City star on the latest episode of The Women’s Game podcast. “I didn’t know what to expect from the tournament at all, just not really being with the team that much before going into the World Cup. I was still getting to know people, tendencies, relationships, and stuff like that.”

Even though it was quite challenging for Thompson to get familiar with the dynamics of the team and her surroundings, she still considers it a lifetime opportunity being fulfilled. “It was difficult getting in that situation. But I was really grateful to have that experience and be surrounded by so many veterans like Alex and Pinoe,” added Alyssa. 

“I feel like I grew so much during that tournament, even through the highs and lows, I got to understand how it works to be in high-pressure situations with the whole world watching you, how the team gets together, and staying in our bubble,” concluded the 20-year-old. Notably, Thompson didn’t play much during the World Cup. After featuring for 15 minutes in a 3-0 win over Vietnam in the opening match, she was benched against the Netherlands in the following game.

Having then been called up for just a couple of minutes during injury time in the final group-stage match against Portugal, Thompson did not make an appearance in the Round of 16 against Sweden, where the team lost on penalties. Even if her first World Cup experience was a sad one, she surely did get to learn a lot. In fact, the forward was able to showcase her real redemption arc this year.

Alyssa Thompson has a lot to offer the USWNT, just as Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe

Surprisingly, just after Emma Hayes took over the USWNT for the Summer Games, Alyssa Thompson wasn’t called up by the former Chelsea boss. Her explanation? “She’s someone whose international career started at a very early stage. That’s why I believe it does take time. Maybe she wasn’t ready before…” explained Hayes.

Interestingly, after missing out on the Olympics, Thompson was called up for the September window, where she even smashed her first goal against Iceland. That performance struck a chord within Hayes, who had special praise for the youngster, stating, “She offers a lot for us going forward.”

Even the recent window where the USWNT faced England and the Netherlands saw her take the starting XI spot—albeit in the absence of Trinity Rodman. Of course, the Angel City forward didn’t score, but she is making her case for the future. Hopefully, in the next World Cup, we may get to see her play a crucial role.