The 2026 SheBelieves Cup, an annual invitational soccer competition hosted in the United States, is scheduled to commence on Sunday, March 1. The tournament will feature a compelling lineup of national teams, including the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), Colombia, Argentina, and Canada, with matches spread across Nashville, Tennessee; Columbus, Ohio; and Harrison, New Jersey. This event is strategically important for the USWNT, marking a significant regrouping period as several key European-based players rejoin the squad, alongside those from Gotham FC who were previously engaged in the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Under the guidance of head coach Emma Hayes, this camp is designed to finalize the core senior team in preparation for forthcoming World Cup qualifiers and to lay the groundwork for the program’s sustained future.
This edition of the SheBelieves Cup sees the U.S. team, currently ranked second globally by FIFA, competing against Colombia (ranked 20th), Argentina (ranked 30th), and Canada (ranked 10th). Notably absent are the defending champions, Japan, who are participating in the Asian Cup to secure a spot in the 2027 Women’s World Cup. The U.S. boasts a remarkable record of seven SheBelieves titles, while France, England, and Japan each hold one. A new rule for this year allows teams to name a 26-player roster, though only 23 can participate in any given match. Tied games will proceed directly to penalty kicks, with points determining the winner: three for a win, one for a tie, and an additional point for winning a penalty shootout in the round-robin format.
The USWNT's roster for the SheBelieves Cup includes a strong mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Among the goalkeepers are Claudia Dickey, Mandy McGlynn, and Phallon Tullis-Joyce. The defensive line features Emily Fox, Naomi Girma, Avery Patterson, Lilly Reale, Tara Rudd, Emily Sams, Emily Sonnett, Gisele Thompson, and Kennedy Wesley. Midfielders include Sam Coffey, Lindsey Heaps, Claire Hutton, Riley Jackson, Rose Lavelle, Olivia Moultrie, Jaedyn Shaw, and Lily Yohannes. The forward contingent is composed of Maddie Dahlien, Jameese Joseph, Trinity Rodman, Emma Sears, Ally Sentnor, and Alyssa Thompson.
Spectators can catch the doubleheader games on March 1, March 4, and March 7. All USWNT matches will be broadcast in English on the TBS network and in Spanish on Universo, with streaming options available on HBO Max (English) and Peacock (Spanish). Radio coverage will be provided by Westwood One (English) and Futbol de Primera (Spanish). The schedule includes matches such as Canada vs. Colombia and USA vs. Argentina in Nashville on March 1; Colombia vs. Argentina and USA vs. Canada in Columbus on March 4; and Canada vs. Argentina and USA vs. Colombia in Harrison on March 7.
Several players are particularly noteworthy in this tournament. For the U.S., Alyssa Thompson, fresh off a stellar season with Chelsea, will reunite with her sister Gisele Thompson, who has also distinguished herself with Angel City. Their combined synergy on the field is an exciting prospect. Trinity Rodman, following a strong January camp, is expected to be in peak form. Emily Sonnett is poised to make her eleventh consecutive SheBelieves appearance, bringing invaluable experience. Emerging talents like Jameese Joseph and Riley Jackson, both with limited national team caps, are also crucial players to watch. Canada's Cloé Lacasse makes a much-anticipated return after an ACL injury, while Kailen Sheridan's move to North Carolina adds intrigue. Colombia's roster highlights Linda Caicedo, with Jorelyn Carabali making her NWSL debut. Argentina presents a blend of veterans like Florencia Bonsegundo and Aldana Cometti, alongside rising star Mili Martin.
The competitors each bring unique strengths to the tournament. The top-ranked USWNT is keen to reclaim its title, fielding an experienced lineup. Colombia, having nearly won the Copa América Femenina in 2025, features a mix of seasoned and rising stars, including four NWSL players. Argentina, though technically the lowest-ranked, has a history of surprising opponents and boasts promising young talent, despite some key absences. Canada, making its fourth appearance, enters under coach Casey Stoney with a roster rich in NWSL players and a storied rivalry with the U.S., making their mid-week clash particularly anticipated.
This year’s SheBelieves Cup holds significant implications for Emma Hayes and the USWNT. The roster, comprising players in various stages of their club seasons, will test their collective chemistry, especially with the Thompson sisters' reunion. Notable absences due to injury or pregnancy, such as Cat Macario, Tierna Davidson, Sophia Wilson, and Mallory Swanson, create opportunities for other players to prove their worth. The competition will serve as a crucial platform for Hayes to evaluate team dynamics and individual performances. With a strong and diverse squad, the USWNT enters the tournament with clear aspirations of victory.