When the topic of the most formidable nation in women’s soccer arises, USWNT’s name pops up in everyone’s mind. Their illustrious history in the FIFA World Cup, winning the Golden trophy four times, makes them a standout team both on the pitch and on paper as well. Although things haven’t been smooth sailing recently, they look to restore dominance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

New head coach Emma Hayes has dropped Alex Morgan and looks to pave the way for new players to perform. Hence, before Emma Hayes’ side takes action, let’s analyze their squad.

Diving deep into the USWNT squad for the Paris Olympics 2024

Goalkeepers: Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars).

Defenders: Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC) Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham FC).

Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham FC).

Forwards: Lynn Williams* (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave FC), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars).

Alternates: Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Emily Sams* (Orlando Pride)

Key Ins at Paris Olympics for USWNT: Trinity Rodman, Jaedyn Shaw, Sophia Smith, and Korbin Albert.

Key Outs at Paris Olympics for USWNT: Alex Morgan, Becky Sauerbrunn

*An eleventh-hour change: Initially, Lynn Williams wasn’t in Emma Hayes’ 18-player roster and was lined up as an alternate. However, an injury to midfielder Catarina Macario changed everything, as the Chelsea star was forced to leave the camp because of consistent irritation in her right knee.

Williams subsequently filled Macario’s spot after receiving IOC, USOPC, and FIFA accepted the decision. To fill the alternate spot left vacant by Williams, Hayes called up Orlando Pride defender Emily Sams, who received her first-ever national team and Olympics call-up.

Debutants from the USWNT in the summer games

Over nine players are making their debut in the summer games. The list includes goalkeeper Casey Murphy, defender trio of Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, and Jenna Nighswonger, midfield duo of Korbin Albert and Sam Coffey, and forward trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Jaedyn Shaw. The number becomes 10 if desperate measures force Emily Sams to be lined up for any clash.

A brief look at American ladies’ history in the Olympics

Interestingly, the USWNT has qualified for every single Olympics since the inception of the women’s game in 1996. Out of their 7 appearances in the Summer Games, they have won gold medals four times—the highest among women’s nations, with no other country winning the tournament more than once.

Their first victory came in 1996 on home soil, after they defeated China 2-1. They went on to win consecutively in 2004, 2008, and 2012. The second and third titles were achieved by crushing Brazil in extra time in successive tournaments. The team secured their glorious fourth with a win over Japan in London 2012 as they made history.

In the remaining editions, they clinched a silver medal in 2000 and a bronze in 2020, with the 2016 Rio Olympics being the only time they did not win a medal. All in all, the USWNT trembles opposition teams at the Olympics. 

As the USWNT heads into the Paris Olympics 2024, they are the favorites to win the gold medal. However, the path will not be easy. Despite the high confidence with new coach Emma Hayes at the helm—making her international debut—the team’s impressive track record keeps them in a sound position compared to other competing nations.