USWNT big board: Girma, Rodman injuries cloud 2027 World Cup plans

The group of players that will lead the U.S. women’s national team at the 2027 Women’s World Cup is coming into focus.Head coach Emma Hayes had said prior to the recent October window that the group she called up would likely be the one she sees most ready to contribute on the road to World Cup qualifying. That young, inexperienced squad got battle-tested in a surprising 2-1 loss to Portugal on Oct. 23.Hayes learned plenty from that game, and the ensuing victories over Portugal (in a rematch) and New Zealand — more than she would have in a comfortable victory for the USWNT. But her dilemma remains, and thus returns our USWNT big board for the first time in months with its usual question: If the World Cup started today, who would make the roster?For this exercise, players with long-term injuries or absences would not make the squad. Nobody (including this writer) is betting against forwards Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson reclaiming their starting roles after maternity leave, for example, but to borrow a phrase from Hayes, you can only work with who is available right now.The timing of our latest exercise also adds an interesting, real-life wrinkle that Hayes could face in 18 months: Does she bring defender Naomi Girma or forward Trinity Rodman to the World Cup despite lingering injuries because they are that exceptionally talented?Hayes has rotated and experimented heavily this year, and she reiterated recently that even players who are household names might still go play with the under-23s or even the under-20s if eligible. That makes our job harder than ever, with tiers two through four somewhat interchangeable.Tier 3: On the bubble. Players who have received call-ups at the senior level or with the U-23s, but who aren’t necessarily making a 23-player roster.Tier 4: Outside looking in. Players who have received call-ups at the senior level or with the U-23s, but who aren’t necessarily making a 23-player roster.- Kassouf: Why are USWNT players leaving the NWSL for Europe? – NWSL playoff Power Rankings: Does anyone stand a chance vs. K.C.? – USA 3-1 Portugal: Moultrie & Co. get Hayes’ team back playing ‘the USA way’