USA lineup at Women's World Cup: USWNT starting 11 at 2023 FIFA tournament

Kyle Bonn

USA lineup at Women's World Cup: USWNT starting 11 at 2023 FIFA tournament image

The U.S. women are looking to make history as they embark on their 2023 Women's World Cup journey, hoping to become the first team in FIFA history, men's or women's, to win three straight World Cup titles.

It's a long road to that accomplishment, and much of the 23-player roster assembled by manager Vlatko Andonovski will need to contribute for that historic achievement to be reached.

With some significant injuries shuffling the deck, Andonovski will have to find his best 11 players to take the field and give the U.S. its best chance to emerge victorious from the month-long tournament. The likes of England, Germany, France, and hosts Australia plus a number of other challengers will make that task difficult.

The Sporting News brings you a look at who could take the field for the U.S. when the opening whistle sounds at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

MORE: Complete USWNT roster for World Cup 2023

USWNT starting lineup vs Sweden at 2023 Women's World Cup

As the knockout stage began with a Round of 16 matchups against No. 3 ranked Sweden, Vlatko Andonovski deployed the least experienced USWNT lineup (average of 83.7 caps) in a major tournament knockout game since the 1996 Olympics gold medal match.

The biggest absence for the United States in this match was Rose Lavelle, who was suspended for yellow card accumulation. Lavelle has been one of the few positive performers on the USWNT through the group stage games, and her absence will be heavily felt in midfield.

Julie Ertz at center-back through all three group stage games, and while she has performed to standard, it has meant Andi Sullivan has been deployed at the No. 6 spot, and she has struggled mightily so far. That selection has also meant that despite being the presumed starter in defense before the tournament, Alana Cook has yet to play a single minute at the World Cup. Against Sweden, that stays true as Emily Sonnett is installed into the starting lineup for the suspended Lavelle, moving Ertz to midfield but leaving Cook on the bench.

There are also questions on the wing, as aside from the brace Sophia Smith scored against Vietnam, nobody has performed well in the attacking trio. Trinity Rodman started the first two games, and while Lynn Williams got the call against Portugal, Rodman returns here. 34-year-old Alex Morgan has not been her usual self in the middle and could be rotated out for younger legs.

MORE: Vlatko Andonovski heavily criticized for his lineup decisions at 2023 Women's World Cup

USA starting lineup (4-3-3): Naeher (GK) — Dunn, Girma, Sonnett, Fox — Horan, Sullivan, Ertz — Rodman, Morgan, Smith.

USA subs (11): Murphy (GK), Kingsbury (GK), Cook, Huerta, O'Hara, Sanchez, Mewis, DeMelo, L. Williams, Rapinoe, Thompson.

USWNT starting lineup vs Portugal at 2023 Women's World Cup

Vlatko Andonovski made two changes from the lineup that faced the Netherlands, bringing on Rose Lavelle and Lynn Williams for their first starts of the 2023 Women's World Cup. There were questions about Lavelle's fitness, but she is ready enough to be deployed from the start.

Those two replace Trinity Rodman and Savannah DeMelo, who sit for the first time.

Julie Ertz remains at center-back for the third straight match, despite the assumption that Alana Cook was the starter coming into the tournament. Instead, Ertz is at the back again, leaving Andi Sullivan to continue at the No. 6 despite struggling thus far.

USA starting lineup vs. Portugal (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Naeher (GK) — 23. Fox, 8. Ertz, 4. Girma, 19. Dunn — 16. Lavelle, 17. Sullivan, 10. Horan — 6. Williams, 13. Morgan, 11. S. Smith.

USA subs (12): Murphy (GK), Kingsbury (GK), Cook, Sonnett, Huerta, O'Hara, Mewis, Sanchez, DeMelo, Thompson, Rapinoe, Rodman.

USWNT starting lineup for 2023 Women's World Cup vs Netherlands

Vlatko Andonovski stunned fans and media, selecting the same exactly starting XI as was deployed against Vietnam. That means no Rose Lavelle, and no Alana Cook, with Julie Ertz at center-back alongside Naomi Girma.

This means one of two things: either something is up fitness-wise with Lavelle, Cook, or both...or Andonovski has decided to pull a fast one on the Netherlands. Either way, it's iffy. A big risk from the U.S. head coach.

USA starting lineup vs. Netherlands (4-3-3, right to left): 1-Naeher (GK) — 23-Fox, 4-Girma, 8-Ertz 19-Dunn — 9-DeMelo, 17-Sullivan, 10-Horan — 20-Rodman, 13-Morgan, 11-S. Smith.

USA subs (12): Kingsbury (GK), Murphy (GK), Huerta, Cook, O'Hara, Sonnett, K. Mewis, Lavelle, A. Sanchez, Rapinoe, L. Williams, A. Thompson

MORE: USWNT schedule at the 2023 Women's World Cup

USWNT starting lineup for 2023 Women's World Cup vs Vietnam

Vietnam should be a must-win and Vlatko Andonovski has starters Alana Cook and Rose Lavelle start the match on the bench.

Cook is a surprise omission, with Julie Ertz taking her place at center back, while Lavelle's situation was clear from the outset given manager Vlatko Andonovski indicated he'd be managing her minutes.

Savannah DeMelo gets the nod over Ashley Sanchez to replace Lavelle in this one.

A reminder that this U.S. team is without injured starters Becky Sauerbrunn, Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario, who did not make the final roster.

USA starting lineup vs. Vietnam (4-3-3, right to left): 1-Naeher (GK) — 23-Fox, 4-Girma, 8-Ertz 19-Dunn — 9-DeMelo, 17-Sullivan, 10-Horan — 20-Rodman, 13-Morgan, 11-S. Smith.

USA subs (12): Kingsbury (GK), Murphy (GK), Huerta, Cook, O'Hara, Sonnett, K. Mewis, Lavelle, A. Sanchez, Rapinoe, L. Williams, A. Thompson

MORE: USWNT schedule at the 2023 Women's World Cup

USWNT roster breakdown for Women's World Cup

Goalkeeper

There's a clear pecking order at goalkeeper for the United States. It's 35-year-old Alyssa Naeher (photo below) who has the starting goalkeeper position locked down, and has for some time, now sitting on 90 international caps for her career. 

Manager Vlatko Andonovski has made it known publicly on several occasions that he wants his backup Casey Murphy to get time and stay sharp within the team, deploying her on several occasions; she could get the start in the group stage opener against Vietnam.

Finally, one of the surprise inclusions on the roster was Aubrey Kingsbury, with the 31-year-old called in as the third-choice goalkeeper. The Washington Spirit shot-stopper has one previous international cap, but has been a part of numerous camps. She beat out Adrianna Franch for the spot.

Alyssa Naeher USWNT 2021

Center-back

This is an area of true weakness on the roster, and maybe the most head-scratching of Vlatko Andonovski's decisions. There are only two true center-backs on the roster, and they will both start next to each other for the duration of the tournament if they can stay healthy.

Alana Cook and Naomi Girma will comprise the U.S. starting center-back partnership after the cruel injury that left captain Becky Sauerbrunn off the roster. Andonovski chose not to name a direct center-back replacement for Sauerbrunn, also leaving the likes of Tierna Davidson off.

That Cook-Girma starting duo is world-class, but the options behind them represent a huge drop-off. Emily Sonnett and Sofia Huerta can play there if needed, or Julie Ertz can slide back, but none of those options are ideal in the slightest. Andonovski has left the U.S. extremely thin at the position, and it's a risk he's apparently willing to take.

Full-back

While center-back is thin, the USA has several options at full-back. The starters on both flanks will revolve around how Vlatko Andonovski wishes to use Crystal Dunn.

There has been talk of Dunn moving into midfield, but since she's played primarily at left-back for the United States (despite it being her least favorite place to play), we'll assume that's her role for now.

On the right will be Emily Fox, a left-back who also plays at right-back, but she has a lot of competition for that spot, with Emily SonnettSofia Huerta, and Kelley O'Hara all vying for minutes. If Dunn surprisingly moves into midfield, Fox would move over to her natural left side.

Midfield

The presence of Rose Lavelle on the U.S. roster is a huge boon to the defending champions. Arguably the best player on the team in the 2019 World Cup, Lavelle's presence makes the USA dynamic and her passing can unlock the attack. However, her health is a concern despite her assured spot, and Vlatko Andonovski gave himself multiple options at her position.

Given that Lavelle may or may not be able to go full matches, Andonovski has backups, namely in the uncapped Savannah DeMelo, who was a big surprise to be included over the likes of Taylor Kornieck and Sam Coffey. Ashley Sanchez will also be able to fill in here if needed as a versatile midfield option, and so, too, can Kristie Mewis.

Next to Lavelle, Lindsey Horan will be a lock to start every match she's available for. Behind them, Julie Ertz should be the one to play in the No. 6 spot, unless she's needed on the backline. Ready to fill in for Ertz at the defensive midfield position is Andi Sullivan, and Sullivan can also move back if needed.

Forward

Similar to the backline, when it comes to the USA frontline, the central spot is thin and the flanks are loaded.

At the center forward spot, Alex Morgan stands alone as the only true striker on the USWNT roster for the Women's World Cup, and the 33-year-old will once again play a vital role on the international stage.

The loss of Christen Press and Catarina Macario, plus Andonovski's decision to leave struggling Ashley Hatch at home, means that Morgan will likely start and play every game through the middle, with very little cover unless one of the regular wingers shifts centrally.

On the wings, Sophia Smith is a star, and she would also be the first choice to move centrally if Morgan needs a replacement. With no Mallory Swanson, it'll likely be Trinity Rodman who will get the nod opposite Smith for most matches.

There are a host of options for the wide positions if Smith or Rodman need rest or replacing. Megan Rapinoe is a known commodity, but the 37-year-old is at the tail end of her career and will be saved in the case the attack is stalling. Her set-piece delivery and crossing is world-class.

Alyssa Thompson, 18, is a bright future star, but she likely only made the roster due to the Macario and Swanson injuries, and it might be a bit early to throw her into the World Cup fire. Lynn Williams is a pressing wizard, and can crop up in front of goal, so she could be the first option off the bench.

Complete USA roster for 2023 Women's World Cup

The following 23 players were called into the United States squad for the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia & New Zealand.

Pos Player Age Club Caps
GK Aubrey Kingsbury 31 Washington Spirit (USA) 1
GK Casey Murphy 27 North Carolina Courage (USA) 14
GK Alyssa Naeher 35 Chicago Red Stars (USA) 90
DEF Alana Cook 25 OL Reign (USA) 24
DEF Crystal Dunn 30 Portland Thorns (USA) 130
DEF Emily Fox 24 North Carolina Courage (USA) 28
DEF Naomi Girma 22 San Diego Wave (USA) 15
DEF Sofia Huerta 30 OL Reign (USA) 29
DEF Kelley O'Hara 34 Gotham FC (USA) 157
DEF Emily Sonnett 29 OL Reign (USA) 74
MID Savannah DeMelo 25 Chicago Red Stars (USA) 0
MID Julie Ertz 31 Angel City FC (USA) 118
MID Rose Lavelle 27 OL Reign (USA) 88
MID Lindsey Horan 28 Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) 128
MID Kristie Mewis 32 Gotham FC (USA) 51
MID Andi Sullivan 27 Washington Spirit (USA) 44
MID Ashley Sanchez 23 Washington Spirit (USA) 24
FWD Alex Morgan 33 San Diego Wave (USA) 206
FWD Megan Rapinoe 37 OL Reign (USA) 199
FWD Trinity Rodman 20 Washington Spirit (USA) 17
FWD Sophia Smith 22 Portland Thorns (USA) 29
FWD Alyssa Thompson 18 Angel City FC (USA) 3
FWD Lynn Williams 30 Gotham FC (USA) 52

Kyle Bonn

Kyle Bonn Photo

Kyle Bonn, is a Syracuse University broadcast journalism graduate with over a decade of experience covering soccer globally. Kyle specializes in soccer tactics and betting, with a degree in data analytics. Kyle also does TV broadcasts for Wake Forest soccer, and has had previous stops with NBC Soccer and IMG College. When not covering the game, he has long enjoyed loyalty to the New York Giants, Yankees, and Fulham. Kyle enjoys playing racquetball and video games when not watching or covering sports.