The USWNT’s Path to the SheBelieves Cup Final: A Test of Depth and Resilience

The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is on the brink of another triumph as they prepare to face Japan in the SheBelieves Cup final on Wednesday, February 26. Their journey to the final was nothing short of dramatic, as they edged past Australia with a 2-1 victory. Goals from Lynn Biyendolo (formerly Williams) and Michelle Cooper secured the win, despite a late header from Australia’s Michelle Heyman that kept the match suspenseful until the final whistle. The USWNT, now under the guidance of coach Emma Hayes, has embraced a fresh approach, prioritizing youth and experience as they build toward the 2027 World Cup. The team’s resilience and determination were on full display, even as they faced a relentless Australian side that tested goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn in her second-ever start for the U.S. The narrow victory underscored the squad’s ability to adapt and persevere, qualities that will be crucial in their upcoming showdown with Japan.

A New Era: Hayes’ Focus on Youth and Depth

Coach Emma Hayes has made it clear that this SheBelieves Cup is about more than just winning trophies—it’s about expanding the player pool and grooming the next generation of stars. In a bold move, Hayes fielded an entirely new lineup against Colombia, making 11 changes from the previous match. This was the first time in 25 years that the USWNT had completely overhauled its starting XI in consecutive games, a decision that reflects Hayes’ commitment to giving young players valuable experience in high-pressure situations. The match against Australia further highlighted this strategy, with a lineup that included just three veterans: Biyendolo, Tierna Davidson, and Crystal Dunn. Among the newcomers was 19-year-old midfielder Claire Hutton, who made her debut, and sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, who became the first siblings to start together for the USWNT since 2021. This emphasis on youth has injected fresh energy into the team, with players like Cooper and Hutton already making significant contributions.

Michelle Cooper: A Star in the Making

Michelle Cooper stole the spotlight in the match against Australia, scoring the winning goal in just her second cap for the USWNT. Her strike in the 68th minute came after a clever exchange with Ally Sentnor, who dribbled through multiple defenders before the ball fell to Cooper. With composure beyond her years, Cooper slotted the ball into the back of the net, giving the U.S. a 2-0 lead. Cooper’s humility shone through afterward, as she jokingly apologized to Sentnor for "stealing" the goal. Hayes, however, was quick to remind her young star that there’s no need to apologize for scoring. "She was like, ‘I was just so excited to score that I took the ball off Ally,’" Hayes recounted with a smile. "I said, ‘Don’t ever apologize. This is business. Celebrate that.’" Cooper’s performance was a testament to her potential, and Hayes is confident that Sentnor will also contribute plenty of goals in the future.

Japan Awaits: A Challenge Unlike Any Other

The USWNT’s final match against Japan promises to be a stern test of their skills, tactics, and mental toughness. Japan, known for their disciplined low block and intricate passing game, has been in impressive form, defeating Colombia 4-1 in their previous match. Hayes has praised Japan as one of the top teams in the world, emphasizing that this encounter will be a valuable learning experience for her young squad. Many of the current USWNT players were not part of the team that faced Japan in the Paris Olympics quarterfinal last summer, where Trinity Rodman’s brilliance secured a dramatic victory. With Rodman sidelined due to injury, Hayes is eager to see how her team responds to the challenge of breaking down Japan’s organized defense. "This is the perfect game for where we are at to learn a lot about ourselves," Hayes said. "I am certain we will have to suffer because the way they dominate the ball… is so, so high."

The USWNT’s Youth Movement: Building for the Future

The SheBelieves Cup has been a breeding ground for young talent, and the USWNT’s performance against Australia showcased the potential of this new generation. Players like Claire Hutton, who made her debut, and sisters Alyssa and Gisele Thompson, who started together for the first time, have brought a fresh dynamic to the team. Tierna Davidson, wearing the captain’s armband, praised the group’s resilience, noting that while the combination of players was unfamiliar, their collective effort and determination were commendable. Biyendolo, one of the few veterans in the lineup, also made history by scoring her first goal under her married name, a moment she will surely cherish. This tournament has been a proving ground for these young players, and their performances have given Hayes and her staff plenty to be optimistic about as they look ahead to 2027.

Lessons Learned: The Road Ahead for the USWNT

As the USWNT prepares to face Japan, the team is acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Japan’s possession-based style and defensive organization will require the U.S. to be disciplined and creative in attack. For many of the younger players, this will be their first time facing such a tactically astute opponent, making the match a valuable learning experience. Hayes has expressed excitement about the challenge, calling it the "perfect game" for assessing where her team stands. While the focus is on the present, the long-term goal remains clear: building a squad that can compete at the highest level in 2027. With their performances in the SheBelieves Cup, the USWNT has already shown promising signs of growth and adaptability. Win or lose against Japan, this tournament has been a resounding success in terms of developing depth and preparing the next generation of stars.