The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is officially back on top. After a disappointing runner-up finish to Japan last year, the Americans reclaimed the SheBelieves Cup title this weekend, punctuated by a late 1-0 win over Colombia. The victory marks the eighth time the U.S. has hoisted this particular trophy and serves as a vital progress report for manager Emma Hayes as she prepares for World Cup qualifying later this year.
Facing Argentina, Canada, and Colombia over a grueling seven-day stretch, the USWNT achieved a defensive masterclass, shutting out all three opponents. “We’ve shown we can win when we’re not at our best, we’ve shown our depth, we’ve shown our maturity,” Hayes said following the trophy ceremony.
1. The Alyssa Thompson Evolution
The undisputed star of the tournament was 21-year-old winger Alyssa Thompson, who was named Tournament MVP. Since leaving Angel City for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League last September, Thompson has hit a new gear, leading the London club with six goals this season.
Her game-winning strike against Colombia displayed exactly why she has become “unstoppable” under Hayes. Her combination of world-class speed and clinical transition play has cemented her as a locked-in starter. “The consistency in her play is standout for me,” Hayes noted. “She’s been doing that for Chelsea all year.”
2. “Endless Depth”: The Player Pool Expands
Since winning Olympic Gold in Paris, Hayes has utilized a “total development” strategy, capping 32 players in 32 games. This tournament saw the rise of the “Next Gen” stars who are quickly closing the gap on the established core.
The Standout Performers:
- Ally Sentnor: Named “exceptional” and “menacing” by Hayes, Sentnor scored the winner against Canada and proved she can lead the line as a physical No. 9.
- Goalkeeping Duo: Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Claudia Dickey both kept clean sheets, proving the post-Alyssa Naeher era is in safe hands.
- The Bench Spark: Even with stars like Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson sidelined, the U.S. brought on “game-changers” like Lily Yohannes and Emma Sears to maintain high-octane pressure.
Alt-text: USWNT winger Alyssa Thompson celebrating her MVP honors after the 2026 SheBelieves Cup final.
3. Tactical Versatility at the No. 9
With Alex Morgan (maternity leave) and Catarina Macario (injury) out, the tournament became a lab for the center-forward position. Hayes rotated three different looks:
- The Physical Presence: Sentnor against Canada.
- The Creative Link: Jaedyn Shaw against Colombia’s low block.
- The “Stretch” Option: Jameese Joseph to close out games.
This versatility ensures that the U.S. is no longer reliant on a single style of play, a major step forward for a team that has historically struggled against defensive-minded opponents.
What This Means: The Road to the Brazil 2027 World Cup
The SheBelieves title is a massive confidence booster, but the real test looms in April. The USWNT will face Japan—the team that beat them in 2025—three times next month. Hayes described Japan as being “at another level” and views the series as the ultimate measuring stick before World Cup qualifying begins this fall.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Watch for the Return: Keep an eye on the Portland Thorns as star striker Lynn Williams (Wilson) just made her return from maternity leave in a 5-1 preseason win.
- Scout the A: Many of these U.S. stars will be in action when the NWSL season kicks off later this month.
- World Cup Prep: For local fans, these international wins fuel the fire as Atlanta prepares for its own starring role in the 2026 Men’s World Cup.
Is Alyssa Thompson currently the most dangerous player in the USWNT pool? How should Emma Hayes fit Macario and Smith back into this winning lineup?
Join the conversation in the comments below or share your championship reactions with us on social media using #USWNT and #SheBelievesCup!
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez is the founder and president of Atlanta Soccer News, which has covered Georgia soccer since 1991. He brings a sharp eye for the game and deep respect for the people who built it, from high school rivalries and youth academies to ADASL, pre-professional clubs, Atlanta United, and the national teams. His work connects the action on the field with the coaches, players, families, and communities behind it. For Quique, every match is part of a bigger Georgia soccer story—and the next chapter is always worth telling.