We at The Equalizer are looking forward to covering this year’s World Cup in depth, but we’re just as excited about the future. In two months, the United States competes at another major finals. But in three months, a new tournament cycle begins. With that in mind, we want to think one step ahead, and assess the major prospects that could carry the national team forward. These are our top 50 U.S. women’s prospects to watch out for ahead of the World Cup in 2027. This is the next generation, part two.
About the series
Because this series focuses on the future of the United States women’s national team, we are only considering players who will be under the age of 27 when the 2023 World Cup ends. Due to the complexity of comparing college and professional players, this series is limited players who are already pros. A lot can change in the next four years, so we aren’t ranking these players purely on form. Some of them are not at the peak of their powers right now; others aren’t necessarily playing in their best position.
See players No. 50 through 41 here.
40. Olivia Moultrie
- Age: 17
- Position: Midfielder
- Club: Portland Thorns
Moultrie unquestionably has an exciting future, but it’s difficult to predict precisely where she will be in four years’ time. At 17-years-old, she is a creative midfielder with nimble footwork and variety. Incredibly, she is now in her third NWSL season, and with a few more years of development in a winning environment at Portland, could be in the national team picture for the 2027 World Cup. However, she will face stiff competition from more experienced playmakers such as Rose Lavelle, Catarina Macario, Taylor Kornieck, Savannah DeMelo and Ashley Sanchez.
39. Mary Alice Vignola
- Age: 25
- Position: Wing-back
- Club: Angel City
Having missed most of 2022 with a hip injury, Vignola has already made seven appearances for Angel City this season, and is set for an important role on the left-hand side. A powerful runner with a nice change of pace, the 25-year-old can dribble using either foot. She also offers a final third threat, something underlined during her time in Iceland with Thróttur Reykjavík, then Valur, where she scored seven goals in two years. Still acclimating to the NWSL, Vignola has lots of raw potential and could present the USWNT with some welcome attacking potency from wing-back.
