U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes emphasized the challenges of coaching with players missing due to injuries or unavailability ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup. With notable players like Trinity Rodman returning and others like Naomi Girma and Mallory Swanson sidelined, Hayes stresses the importance of working with the current roster. The USWNT Big Board reflects the present state of the team, and Hayes has already called up 68 players this year, highlighting the fluid nature of team selections due to injuries and other factors.
If the 2027 Women's World Cup started today, Hayes would need to navigate the tournament without several injured or otherwise unavailable players, including center backs Naomi Girma and Tierna Davidson.
Hayes succinctly summarized the USWNT Big Board concept: She must work with who is available right now, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the roster.
There are almost always important players missing at a major tournament, as shown by the recent absences of key players like Swanson and Sauerbrunn.
Since the start of the year, Hayes has already called up 68 players combined between the senior team and the U23, showcasing the need for flexibility.
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