Projecting the 2023 USWNT World Cup Roster After the SheBelieves Cup

With the FIFA Women's World Cup only months away, the SheBelieves Cup was the ideal opportunity for United States women's national team coach Vlatko Andonovski to assess the current player pool.

Not only is the USWNT in the midst of a generational rebuild, there are also concerns regarding Andonovski's tactics.

If the Stars and Stripes want to repeat as world champions, Andonovski needs to be smart and select the right group of players who will be able to jell quickly, despite his tactical shortcomings.

The USWNT has a plethora of talent up and down the roster. Still, if the players are misused because of wonky personnel decisions and subpar tactics, it will make their title defense significantly more difficult.

As the countdown to the tournament begins, who will be the 23 women who will make the plane to Australia and New Zealand?

Goalkeepers

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HARRISON, NJ - NOVEMBER 13: Alyssa Naeher #1 of the United States warms up before a game between Germany and USWNT at Red Bull Arena on November 13, 2022 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Erin Chang/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

• (3) Alyssa Naeher, Casey Murphy, Adrianna Franch

The USWNT has a solid goalkeeping core.

Alyssa Naeher is the veteran of the trio with 88 caps. The 34-year-old has shown that she can keep clean sheets, be commanding off her line and organize a defense.

Behind her, Casey Murphy and Adrianna Franch have shown that they can be starters if Naeher is unavailable.

Murphy, in particular, seems locked in as No. 2 on the depth chart. She started a handful of matches for the USWNT in 2021 and rotated with Naeher several times, including during the SheBelieves Cup.

Although Franch only has 10 caps, her solid performances for her club team, the Kansas City Current, saw Andonovski call her back into the fold.

Defenders

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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 21: Crystal Dunn #19 of the United States dribbles with the ball during a game between New Zealand and USWNT at Eden Park on January 21, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

• (7) Crystal Dunn, Becky Sauerbrunn, Naomi Girma, Sofia Huerta, Alana Cook, Tierna Davidson, Emily Fox 

Leadership will be essential for the USWNT in its quest to repeat.

The defenders in the player pool have a great mix of youth and experience, which will go a long way for a national team in the middle of a rebuild.

Led by Becky Sauerbrunn and Crystal Dunn, the defenders available to Andonovski will give the U.S. plenty of tactical flexibility, depending on the situation.

In Dunn's case, the 30-year-old can play as a central midfielder and left-back when needed, though the latter may not be her preferred position.

Bolstering out the rest of the defense is the young talent of Naomi Girma, the overlapping attacking ability of Emily Fox, and the steady presence of Tierna Davidson, Alana Cook and Sofia Huerta.

Midfielders

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AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 21: Rose Lavelle #16 of the United States turns and moves with the ball during a game between New Zealand and USWNT at Eden Park on January 21, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

• (7) Sam Coffey, Kristie Mewis, Andi Sullivan, Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Horan, Catarina Macario, Ashley Sanchez

There are big questions surrounding the USWNT midfield heading into the tournament.

With Sam Mewis and Julie Ertz most likely out of the World Cup because of extended injuries, a significant gap will be left on the roster, specifically in defensive midfield.

Andi Sullivan was deployed in that role during the SheBelieves Cup, and because of her standout performances, she'll likely be on the final roster.

Sam Coffey, 24, is also in contention to play there despite only having four caps.

Regarding attacking midfield, Rose Lavelle and Catarina Macario will be the first-choice duo. The pair possesses flair, speed and technical brilliance that will elevate an already potent U.S. attack.

Rounding out the midfield spots will be Lindsey Horan and Ashley Sanchez, both attack-minded players who possess progressive ball-playing abilities.

Forwards

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WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - JANUARY 18: Alex Morgan #13 of the United States warms up during a game between New Zealand and USWNT at Sky Stadium on January 18, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

• (6) Mallory Swanson, Alex Morgan, Lynn Williams, Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith

One of the strongest areas of the 23-woman roster is the front line.

Stacked with NWSL MVP-level talent, the USWNT's most significant advantage is its goal-scoring threat up top.

From Alex Morgan to Mallory Swanson, who is having a phenomenal start to 2023, the U.S. attack will be one of the main reasons it can retain its World Cup title.

There is also 2022 NWSL MVP Sophia Smith, whose dribbling ability and speed are world-class and will be advantageous against opponents who play a high line.

Alongside Smith will also be veteran winger Megan Rapinoe, who would be making her fourth World Cup appearance, as well as Lynn Williams and Trinity Rodman.