Why is Sophia Wilson not playing for the USWNT at SheBelieves Cup?
Why is Sophia Wilson not playing for the USWNT at SheBelieves Cup?
Seth Vertelney, USA TODAY Sun, March 1, 2026 at 4:15 PM UTC
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The U.S. women's national team will have to wait a little bit longer for the return of Sophia Wilson.
Wilson was not named to the team's roster for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, which begins on Sunday, March 1 with a match against Argentina.
The Portland Thorns attacker did not play at all in 2025 as she was on maternity leave, giving birth to daughter Gianna in September.
Though USWNT head coach Emma Hayes said in January she was hopeful Wilson would be ready for the SheBelieves Cup, it ultimately wasn't to be for the 25-year-old.
“She’s just not ready,” Hayes said after naming her roster. “The return-to-play protocol hadn’t given her enough time to be where she wanted to be.
"As much as I want her to be part of this squad, that’s the reality — Portland didn’t deem her ready.”
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Wilson has tallied 24 goals and 11 assists in 58 caps with the USWNT, forming a part of the team's "Triple Espresso" front line along with Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson.
The last time all three were on the field together was during the 2024 Olympic gold medal game. With Swanson also still out on maternity leave, Hayes cheekily acknowledged that the trio's return would have to wait.
“First off single shot, for this camp, of coffee,” Hayes said. “I’m afraid I would love to see the Triple Espresso return, but I can’t do anything about that. I just have to wait patiently.”
The USWNT will face Argentina on March 1 in Nashville, Tennessee, then take on Canada in Columbus, Ohio on March 4. Hayes side will close the tournament against Colombia on March 7 in Harrison, New Jersey.
The U.S. will be looking to regain the title it lost last year after winning five straight editions of the competition.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Sophia Wilson out for USWNT at SheBelieves Cup?
Source: “AOL Sports”
