From L-R: © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images; © Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images; © EM Dash-Imagn Images.
Emma Hayes has been open to calling up new talent during her time in charge of the U.S. women’s national team. With 18 months remaining until the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, that experimental process is winding down as Hayes consolidates her options. Still, there is always an outside chance for more new call-ups down the line. A player could make themselves impossible to ignore, or bad form or injuries for another could create a fresh pathway into the national team.
Here, we’ll take a look at eight untried National Women’s Soccer League players who could potentially make that leap to the senior national team in 2026.
Maddie Dahlien
Club: Seattle Reign
Position: Winger
Age: 21
NWSL record: 27 games, 4 goals, 4 assists
Dahlien has already caught the attention of Emma Hayes, earning selection to the Futures Camp in January. More recently, she has starred for the under-23 side, scoring in their away win over England. At club level, she enjoyed a strong rookie season with Seattle Reign, scoring and assisting four goals apiece. Usually playing off the left flank, two of those goals came from her trademark cut in and shoot routine.
Quick off the mark and good enough on her left foot to keep opponents guessing, Dahlien will only get better as she matures and her decision-making on when to shoot and when to pass develops. She’d also benefit from playing in the forward line all the time — Laura Harvey occasionally fielded her at wing-back, but it’s hard to see that being her role in the long-term
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