Predicting USWNT lineup for first October friendly against Spain

It’s been a long four months, but the USWNT is finally back in action on Saturday against Spain. Emma Hayes will lead her squad against the reigning World Cup winners on both Saturday and Tuesday in the final window before the CONCACAF World Championship in November, which will serve as qualification for the 2027 World Cup.

Predicted USWNT lineup for first match with Spain

Most of the experimentation Hayes has done over the last few years is probably close to over. While there’s still competition within the squad, she’s mostly brought her best players, aside from those missing out due to injury. With that in mind, here is our prediction for the starting 11 Hayes will send out for the USWNT against Spain on Saturday.

Claudia Dickey (GK)

The goalie battle is far from decided, but Dickey might be a little head of Phallon Tullis-Joyce at the moment. She’s started more games than Tullis-Joyce this year. While the Manchester United keeper will likely get the start on Tuesday when there’s rotation, Dickey will start the first match of the window.

Avery Patterson (LB)

There is definitely competition for this spot coming from Lilly Reale. However, Patterson played all but 45 minutes of the two matches against Brazil in June, with Reale not playing in either game. Patterson hasn’t done anything to lose her spot during the NWSL season, so she remains the top-choice left-back for the moment.

Tara Rudd (CB)

The fact that Naomi Girma had to pull out of this window because of a lingering injury is a little bit of a concern for the USWNT. But that gives Rudd the opportunity to get the start in her place. Hayes may want to look at Kennedy Wesley or Kate Del Fava at some point during the window. But it makes sense to start Rudd in the first game, especially in her home stadium in Washington.

Tierna Davidson (CB)

If healthy, Davidson is a huge part of the USWNT’s World Cup hopes. It’s been hard to find a consistent partner for Girma over the last few years, but Davidson is the obvious choice if she’s fit. Her performances with Gotham this season have been strong, and if she can handle herself against Spain, Davidson will shore up her spot as a starter next summer.

Emily Fox (RB)

Fox is probably the safest bet to be in the starting lineup for any meaningful USWNT game. There are other options at right-back, which is a good thing, but nobody rises to the level of Fox or brings the same consistency as the Arsenal right-back.

Lindsey Heaps (CM)

With less than a year until the World Cup, Heaps remains the unquestioned captain and leader of the USWNT. There’s been plenty of competition for her spot over the last couple of years, but she’s held off the youngsters. Since returning to the NWSL, Heaps has performed at a high level for the Denver Summit. After playing 90 minutes in both Brazil friendlies back in June, don’t be surprised if she plays 90 minutes in both games against Spain.

Claire Hutton (CM)

Unfortunately, Sam Coffey is missing the international break with an injury. Otherwise, she likely would have been starting the first match. The good news is that Hutton is an obvious replacement. She and Coffey aren’t exactly identical players, but they both get the job done in the midfield. At age 20, Hutton already has 20 caps under her belt. But facing Spain will be a good litmus test for her less than a year before the World Cup.

Rose Lavelle (AM)

As the only American nominated for the Ballon d’Or this year, Lavelle is a lock to start every game. She’s the straw that stirs the drink for the NWSL’s best team, and she’s still capable of doing that for the USWNT. Years after being one of the heroes of the 2019 World Cup, Lavelle is still essential to the national team.

Ashley Sanchez (LW)

This is it for Sanchez; this is her chance. She hasn’t been called into USWNT camp since January 2025, and she hasn’t played in a national team game in two years. But as the NWSL’s leader in goals, she’s getting another chance to play her way onto the World Cup roster. Sanchez has been in amazing form, tallying nine goals and one assist in her last eight games. Hayes will give her a chance to start against Spain to see if she can translate her club success to the international level.

Trinity Rodman (RW)

If Sanchez gets the start, there are a few options for the other winger position. But with this game being in Washington, Rodman gets the nod so she can play in front of her home fans. She also ranks third in the NWSL in total goals and assists, behind only Sanchez and Barbra Banda, so Rodman’s current form also justifies a starting spot.

Sophia Wilson (ST)

If nobody told you, you could never guess that Wilson missed so much time on maternity leave. She hasn’t missed a beat since returning to the Portland Thorns this season, scoring 13 goals and adding five assists. Let’s just call her red card last weekend a blip on the radar. That incident aside, Wilson looks ready to lead the USWNT attack against Spain and at the World Cup next summer.

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