The U.S. women’s national team secured their eighth SheBelieves Cup title over the weekend with a dramatic 1-0 win against Colombia, thanks to a late game-winning strike from Alyssa Thompson. This victory capped off a week of flawless performances, as the USWNT faced Argentina, Canada, and Colombia, shutting out all three opponents to lift the prestigious trophy. After last year’s defeat to Japan, the team entered this tournament with renewed motivation, determination, and a clear sense of growth under manager Emma Hayes.
Hayes praised the squad’s resilience and adaptability, noting how the players found different ways to win against tough competition. “We’ve shown we can win when we’re not at our best, we’ve shown our depth, we’ve shown our maturity,” she said. Several players contributed to the team’s success, including captain Lindsey Heaps, Jaedyn Shaw, Ally Sentnor, and Thompson, while goalkeepers Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Claudia Dickey kept clean sheets. Even with some key players absent, Hayes was thrilled with how her selected roster performed and how this camp aligned with her plans for World Cup qualifying later this year.
Alyssa Thompson Emerges as a Star
Alyssa Thompson, who was named MVP of the tournament, has been a revelation for the USWNT. The 21-year-old winger has transitioned seamlessly from the NWSL’s Angel City to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, where she has already scored six goals this season. Her combination of pace, technical skill, and ability to beat defenses in transition makes her a constant threat.
BAR DOWN BANGER🔥
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 7, 2026
USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/j9t4Hfgetp
Thompson’s journey with the senior national team began just before the 2023 World Cup. While initially inexperienced and later sidelined due to injury, she has matured into a decisive player under Hayes’ guidance. Her game-winning goal against Colombia highlighted her capacity to influence matches from anywhere on the pitch. Hayes reflected, “The consistency in her play is standout for me. That clutch moment today mirrors what she’s done all year for Chelsea.” Thompson’s rapid development signals her importance for the team as they prepare for upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Depth and Youth Development: A Winning Formula
One of the standout features of this USWNT squad is its remarkable depth. Since winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Hayes has focused on expanding the player pool, giving caps to 32 different players in as many games and placing emphasis on the youth and U23 national programs. This strategy is already paying off, as the team is closing experience gaps and preparing for a strong World Cup qualifying campaign.
Hayes highlighted several emerging players, including Ally Sentnor, Claire Hutton, and Lily Yohannes, noting how the mix of experienced and younger players is fostering competition and growth. In the 1-0 win over Canada, players like Heaps, Shaw, Yohannes, and Emma Sears made key contributions off the bench. “This team has endless depth,” Sentnor said after the match, emphasizing the squad’s readiness and versatility. Hayes’ approach ensures that the team can maintain high performance levels regardless of lineup changes, a crucial advantage heading into major tournaments.
Position Battles and Tactical Flexibility
Another key takeaway from the SheBelieves Cup was Hayes’ management of the forward line, particularly the No. 9 position. With Wilson on maternity leave and Macario sidelined by injury, the tournament provided opportunities for players like Sentnor and Shaw to gain experience in central attacking roles. Sentnor scored the winner against Canada, while Shaw offered a different style of play against Colombia, linking effectively with midfielders to secure victory.
Hayes emphasized that player selection will depend on tactical needs rather than fixed starters. This flexibility allows the team to present multiple attacking options and keep opponents guessing. “The difference now is you can bring in players like Emma Sears and it adds quality and value,” Hayes said. The ongoing development of forwards, coupled with the depth across the squad, sets the USWNT up for a dynamic approach to both World Cup qualifying and next year’s tournament in Brazil.
Looking Ahead: Japan Matches and World Cup Preparation
Following this successful SheBelieves Cup campaign, the USWNT will face Japan three times in April. These matches will serve as a key benchmark for assessing the squad’s progress, as Japan remains a highly competitive side, having beaten the U.S. in 2025 and won the last SheBelieves Cup. Hayes described the upcoming tests as crucial for evaluating where her team stands ahead of the next stage.
A look at Ally Sentnor’s goal that gave the @USWNT a 1-0 lead over Canada in the SheBelieves Cup 🇺🇸‼️
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 5, 2026
(Via @USWNT)
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Additionally, Wilson’s return from maternity leave will provide another boost to the squad. Her recent appearance for the Portland Thorns signals her readiness to reintegrate into the national team setup. With her return and continued development of young talent, the USWNT enters a promising phase, blending experience, depth, and tactical flexibility as they prepare for World Cup qualifying and the 2027 tournament in Brazil.
