Full Breakdown
USWNT Announces 26-Player Roster for Brazil Friendlies, Reuniting “Triple Espresso” Front Line
5/28/2026, 8:42:41 AM
Roster Announcement and Match Details
On May 27, 2026, U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes announced a 26-player training-camp roster for two friendlies against Brazil, the 2027 World Cup hosts. The games will be on June 6 at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo (5:30 p.m. ET) and June 9 at Arena Castelão in Fortaleza (8:30 p.m. ET). Twenty-three players will be eligible to start each match.
Background and the “Triple Espresso” Reunion
The United States won Olympic gold in Paris 2024, with Mallory Swanson scoring the decisive goal against Brazil. Swanson, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson—dubbed “Triple Espresso”—combined for ten goals and five assists in the tournament. Maternity leaves and injuries kept the trio apart for 21 months; Swanson last appeared in October 2024, Wilson returned in April 2025, and Rodman missed part of 2025 with injuries.
Player Highlights and Statistics
Swanson (Chicago Stars) brings 103 caps and 38 goals; Rodman (Washington Spirit) has 55 caps, 13 goals; Wilson (Portland Thorns) adds 61 caps, 24 goals. The roster includes 21 NWSL players and five in Europe, notably Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United). The United States ranks second globally, Brazil sixth. Injured absentees are Naomi Girma (calf), Sam Coffey (knee) and Catarina Macario (heel).
Official Statements & Responses
Hayes said the Brazil trip offers “amazing opportunities” for players to experience the host nation’s culture and stadiums before World Cup qualifying, stressing the need to “build connections between players” with limited time. U.S. Soccer’s release highlighted Swanson’s return and the aim to test the squad against a top-ranked opponent.
Criticism, Opposition, and Gaps
Analysts note depth concerns at left-back and midfield without Girma, Coffey or Macario. One source lists Michelle Cooper’s record as “1211” caps/goals, conflicting with other reports of 12 caps, 1 goal.
Verbatim Quotes
> “It's fantastic for our team, both on and off the field, to have Trinity and our two soccer moms back on the same roster.” — Emma Hayes
> “That front three haven’t been together since the Olympic gold medal match. That’s a long time, and we cannot waste a single minute. We absolutely have to put the very best players together with every opportunity that we have,” — Emma Hayes
> “She's been ready to play, ready to contribute to her team.” — Emma Hayes
> “We have been able to develop the depth, but those three players, they've developed credit in the bank,” — Emma Hayes
> “We absolutely have to put the very best players together with every opportunity that we have.” — Emma Hayes
Impact and Upcoming Steps
The friendlies act as a rehearsal before the CONCACAF W Championship (Nov 24-Dec 5, Texas), which decides World Cup qualification. Hayes called the June camp a final chance to shape the roster for the 2027 tournament.
