With the FIFA Women’s World Cup happening next month, teams have begun to release their team rosters to prepare anticipation for the upcoming games. Being favored to win this upcoming World Cup, all eyes were on their roster announcement as the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) hopes to continue their winning streak after taking home trophies in 2015 and 2019. 

In a star-studded line-up of announcers including, President and First Lady Joe and Jill Biden, Taylor Swift, Blake Lively and others the roster was announced June 21. The line-up includes familiar names like Forwards Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe, Defender Kelly O’Hara, and Midfielders Lindsey Horan and Julie Ertz. Even with the familiar names, many fan favorites were seen missing from the roster due to injuries.  

First up is Captain Becky Sauerbrunn who won’t be joining the USWNT due to a foot injury that hasn’t fully healed since it happened back in April. In a statement posted to Twitter Sauerbrunn said:  

“I had hoped and worked and hoped some more to make it back in time to help lead this team at this World Cup but, after lots of discussion, unfortunately, there’s just too much variability in my return to play timeline.” 

Alongside Sauerbrunn, fan favorites Forwards Tobin Heath and Christen Press won’t be making a return this year due to knee injuries that resulted in intensive surgery and rehab, affecting their prospective goal of returning to the USWNT for the 2023 World Cup. Defender Ali Krieger will not be taking part as she is set to retire after this upcoming National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) 2023 season.  

Defender Abby Dahlkemper is also exempt from this World Cup due to a back injury but is set to return to the pitch with the NWSL in early July. Forward Mallory Pugh-Swanson is also out due to sustaining a tear in the patellar tendon in her left knee. 

Even with some well-known names not able to be there this year, a strong group of young new faces like Emily Fox, Trinity Rodman, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, and Sofia Huerta are ready to help lead the team to hopefully a third consecutive World Cup win.  

Though new to the World Cup, these new players have strong qualities making them essential. Defender Naomi Girma is one strong force as she is built up to be the successor for Sauerbrunn. Defender Emily Fox has immense speed making her vital to the quick runs needed to make the most goals against strong teams like England, Spain and Germany. 

With the USWNT still a favorite to win in Australia and New Zealand next month it’s hard to say what the outcome will be without key players and fresh faces who have never played in a World Cup before. The FIFA Women’s World Cup will be available to watch on livestream on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App from July 20- Aug 20. 

Itzel Giron is the editor-in-chief and may be reached at [email protected]; @by.itzel.giron on Instagram; @itzel_anahi_16 on Twitter.