Veteran forward Alex Morgan will not be participating in the Paris Olympics after being left off the roster by U.S. national team coach Emma Hayes. Morgan, a three-time Olympian and two-time Women’s World Cup winner, was surprisingly excluded from the 18-player list. This decision reflects a shift towards a younger team as they prepare for the 2027 Women’s World Cup under Hayes’ leadership. Despite Morgan’s impressive career and professionalism, Hayes felt the need to go in a different direction when selecting the final squad.
Morgan had recently returned from an ankle injury that caused her to miss more than a month with the San Diego Wave. She was also part of the squad for a pair of U.S. friendlies against South Korea earlier this month. However, her absence from the latest Wave match led to speculations about her exclusion from the Olympic roster. Morgan expressed her disappointment in not being able to represent her country at the Olympics, an event that holds significant meaning for her. The Olympic roster features 16 outfield players and two goalkeepers, with Crystal Dunn among the forwards selected.
Coach Hayes, who took over the team in November, finished the Women’s Super League season with Chelsea before joining the national team in May. The squad also includes goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, despite her recent thigh injury, and newcomer Casey Murphy. The team’s four alternates consist of Jane Campbell, Hal Harshfelt, Croix Bethune, and Lynn Williams. With only ten players from the last World Cup roster making it to the Olympic team, there is a focus on developing less experienced players to elevate the team’s performance.
Despite setbacks at recent tournaments, Hayes is optimistic about the team’s potential and the need for hard work to reclaim their top ranking in the FIFA standings. The U.S. team has a rich history of success at the Olympics, having won four gold medals, but they have not won since the 2012 London Games. The upcoming Olympic tournament presents an opportunity for the team to demonstrate their capabilities and make a strong comeback. The selection of players like Korbin Albert, who faced backlash for past anti-LGBTQ+ social media posts, also indicates a commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
The U.S. team will have a chance to showcase their skills in a pair of send-off matches against Mexico and Costa Rica before heading to France for the Olympics. The tournament kicks off on July 25th against Zambia in Nice, where the team will aim to start their campaign on a positive note. With a mix of experienced players like Crystal Dunn and emerging talents like Trinity Rodman, the U.S. team under Hayes’ guidance is poised to make a mark at the Paris Olympics. Despite the absence of stalwarts like Morgan, the team is united in their goal of achieving success and regaining their status as a dominant force in women’s soccer.
