Predicting USWNT's starting lineup at Paris Olympics 2024
- The USWNT are unbeaten under new head coach, Emma Hayes
- Alex Morgan did not make the USA's Olympic roster
- The USWNT take on Zambia in their first Olympics fixture on July 25 at 3 p.m. ET
The predicted USWNT's starting lineup at the 2024 Paris Olympics includes Emma Hayes' most trusted players as the USA aims to earn their record fifth gold medal.
It is no secret that the U.S. Women's National Team has dominated the Olympics in the past. The Stars and Stripes brought home gold four times, and have only ever left empty handed just once. Despite their historic success, though, the USWNT has not won a gold medal since 2012.
Emma Hayes' squad is looking to put an end to the 12-year drought this summer in France. Under their new head coach, the USWNT has yet to concede a goal, and extended their current unbeaten streak to nine matches. If the USA want to continue their winning ways at the Olympics, then expect Hayes' starting XI to feature the many of the same players who just defeated Mexico on July 13.
Here's what the USA's starting XI could look like at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
USWNT predicted lineup at Paris Olympics 2024 (4-3-3)
GK: Alyssa Naeher - Naeher will represent the USA in her third Olympics as the third-winningest USWNT keeper of all time.
RB: Emily Fox - Fox will make her Olympic debut this summer after her successful move to Arsenal in January, making her one of the few USWNT starters to play in Europe.
CB: Naomi Girma - Under Emma Hayes, Girma and Davidson have helped keep three clean sheets for the USWNT.
CB: Tierna Davidson - Not only is Davidson rock solid at the back for the Stars and Stripes, but she is also a threat on goal, scoring a brace in the USA's Olympic warmup match against South Korea on June 1.
LB: Jenna Nighswonger - Nighswonger's minutes were strictly managed by Emma Hayes ahead of the Paris Olympics, but the 24-year-old will surely start on the left flank for the USWNT as long as she remains healthy.
CM: Rose Lavelle - Lavelle was a last-minute scratch in the USA's final international friendly before leaving for the Olympics, but the midfielder will be fully fit and ready to go in France.
CM: Lindsey Horan - As one of the most experienced players on the roster, Horan will captain the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The midfielder will look to lead her team both on and off the pitch to the podium.
CM: Samantha Coffey - Samantha Coffey has had a rather quiet season for Portland Thorns so far in 2024, but the 25-year-old is always accurate with the ball at her feet and is constantly looking to create chances for her forwards up front.
RW: Trinity Rodman - Although Rodman has not scored a goal in 2024 just yet, the winger is one of the best women in the world at taking players on and using her tall frame to bully opponents off the ball.
ST: Sophia Smith - At just 23 years old, Smith already has 19 goals and nine assists for her country, and will need to continue her goalscoring form in the French capital if the USWNT want to take home a medal.
LW: Mallory Swanson - Swanson already has two goals under Emma Hayes, and the winger could make her 100th cap for her country this summer if the USWNT make a deep run in the tournament.