USWNT vs Spain: Five NWSL players to watch in both friendlies

Photo by Amanda Loman/NWSL via Getty Images | NWSL via Getty Images The United States women’s national team is set to face off against top-ranked Spain in what could be a 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup final preview. “This ain’t an experimental camp. I think for the new players coming in, they have to play our way first. Yes, maybe some of them will get minutes from the bench, maybe not at all, maybe not even included in the squad of 23. That’s the position we want to be in where our seniors are driving the standards,” head coach Emma Hayes said ahead of the games. Every opportunity ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will have to be earned. With Kate Del Fava’s replacing Naomi Girma due to injury, that brings the number of uncapped players on the roster to five: goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, defender Evelyn Shores and forwards Trinity Byars and Pietra Tordin. However, there are crucial position competitions that remain as well as long-awaited returns. USWNT vs Spain: NWSL players to watch Ashley Sanchez (NC Courage, forward) The NWSL’s single season goalscoring c0-leader has finally earned another USWNT call-up. Prior the the season, North Carolina Courage head coach Mak Lind told Sanchez that she’d have a 20-goal season. He has unlocked the forward’s full potential moving her from central attacker to winger. Ashley Sanchez gets the job done and ties Temwa Chawinga’s single-season record with her 20th goal of the year 💪 pic.twitter.com/mQ5kg55rTQ — National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 28, 2026 In Abigail Segel’s article for the Guardian, the reaction was even better. “I was laughing,” Sanchez recalled of the moment. “He was like, ‘I don’t know why you’re laughing. I’m being serious.’” In 2026, Ashley Sanchez has completely taken over the league. Her 24 goal contributions leads all players this season. “Ashley’s had an extraordinary season, not just in terms of the number of goals she’s scored, but consistency in her performance,” Hayes said. Can she make continue her ascension and make the 2027 WWC roster? Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave, CB) Is there any central defender in the NWSL playing as well as the San Diego Wave captain? With the injury to former club teammate Naomi Girma, the central defender has the opportunity to earn minutes. Kennedy Wesley is one of the few center backs in the league who is comfortable with the ball, defends at an elite level, and can even score goals. With her club a heavy possession based side, she’s been thriving more and more as a playmaker—she’s first in minutes played, sixth in accurate passes per 90, seventh in xG (expected goals). On top of that, Wesley is being tasked with nullifying the opposition’s top attacker away every week whether that is on the ground or in the air. Pietra Tordin (Portland Thorns, attacker) Where would the Rose City be without the attacker? Pietra Tordin has taken her game to a whole new level and widely-regarded as one of the most improved players this season. At 17 goal contributions (eight goals and nine assists), she forms one of the formidable duos in NWSL alongside Sophia Wilson. Why is her inclusion so important? Although making the 2027 roster may be a herculean task, she is the future with the ability to play across the frontline and as an attacking midfielder. Key tournaments still consists of small roster sizes, fitting the versatility Emma Hayes will covet. View this post on Instagram Evelyn Shores (Angel City FC, LB) ACFC possess the top goal differential in the NWSL at +16 and have conceded the fourth-fewest goals at 29. One of the biggest reasons why? The rising stardom of Evelyn Shores. Alongside RB Gisele Thompson, they form one of the top wingback duos in the league. The stud left back has quickly become one of the premier defenders and has 10 goal contributions on the season. She leads all defenders with seven assists in 2026 and has even added three goals. “I think she’s been outstanding,” Hayes said. “The quality of her delivery when she gets into the final third. There’s not many left-footed players in teams when you get them.” Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign, goalkeeper) “Clawdia” led the NWSL in goals prevented in 2025 season and was nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year. In 2026, she has followed it up with seven clean sheets and is fifth in goals prevented. The goalkeeper competition will come down to the current or former Seattle Reign backstop. Who will be named the start at next year’s World Cup: Claudia Dickey or Phallon Tullis-Joyce? How about Triple Espresso? Will Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson finally see the pitch together? In June, Mallory Swanson joined the USWNT for two friendlies against Brazil, but did not play in either game. The forward also just recently returned from injury after missing four matches with a hip injury. The trio is undoubtedly box office. Regardless of how much all three play this window, Hayes should value the opportunity to get them on the pitch at the same time against Spain.

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