Key Takeaways:
- Ashley Sanchez USWNT Return After a Record-Breaking Season
- Jaedyn Shaw’s Omission Highlights Competition for Places
- Spain Friendlies Offer a Key Test Ahead of 2027
Ashley Sanchez’s USWNT return comes after nearly two years away, with the North Carolina Courage forward included in Emma Hayes’ squad for two upcoming friendlies against Spain.
The Ashley Sanchez USWNT return follows a remarkable scoring campaign for North Carolina Courage.
The Ashley Sanchez USWNT return follows an outstanding NWSL season that has put her back in the international spotlight. The forward has scored 20 goals in 26 appearances for North Carolina, matching the league’s single-season scoring record with four regular-season matches remaining.
The Ashley Sanchez USWNT return represents a notable turnaround for the forward, who has been outside the USWNT setup since October 2024. She was part of the United States squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup but did not feature during the tournament. She was also not selected for the team’s Olympic gold-medal campaign at the 2024 Paris Games.
Sanchez, who first received a senior national-team call-up in 2016, now has another opportunity to establish herself under Hayes. Her scoring form has made her one of the most productive attacking players in the NWSL this season, giving the coaching staff another option as the United States continues preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Ashley Sanchez USWNT return also comes during a period of increased competition for attacking positions. Hayes has continued to assess different combinations and younger players as she builds the squad for the next major international cycle.
Jaedyn shaw left out of latest squad
While the Ashley Sanchez USWNT return headlines the latest squad, Jaedyn Shaw is among the notable players absent from the selection.
The Gotham FC forward has 37 international appearances and 10 goals for the United States. Shaw was also part of the team that won Olympic gold in Paris in 2024 and has remained an important attacking option for both club and country.
Her club performances have remained productive this season. Shaw has recorded nine goals and five assists for Gotham and entered the latest international break after a strong stretch of form, including four goals and one assist across five NWSL matches.
Despite those numbers, Shaw was not included in Hayes’ latest selection. Her absence comes as the coach continues to evaluate her attacking options and give opportunities to other players competing for places.
The squad features established forwards such as Trinity Rodman, Alyssa Thompson and Sophia Wilson, alongside younger options including Pietra Tordin and Trinity Byars.
Mallory Swanson is also back with the national team after taking time away following the birth of her first child. Naomi Girma remains part of the squad as she works through a challenging period at club level with Chelsea.
The selections underline the competition within the USWNT as players attempt to secure regular roles ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
United States set for two matches against Spain
The United States will face Spain twice in October, setting up a major test for Hayes and her latest group of players.
The first match is scheduled for October 10 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., followed by a second meeting on October 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Spain currently occupies the No. 1 position in the FIFA women’s world rankings, while the United States is ranked second. The two teams have become familiar opponents at major international tournaments and friendlies, making the October doubleheader a significant test for both sides.
Spain will enter the matches without Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who was not selected following her recent return from an ankle injury.
For the United States, the two fixtures will provide Hayes with an opportunity to test her squad against one of the strongest teams in international football. They will also offer players competing for places another chance to make an impression.
For Sanchez, the USWNT return represents a fresh start at international level. After producing one of the strongest scoring seasons of her career, she will now look to translate that club form into performances with the USWNT.
With the 2027 World Cup cycle underway, the Ashley Sanchez USWNT return could give Hayes another opportunity to assess her attacking options.
