WOMEN'S WORLD CUP 2023
Which USWNT players will retire after their elimination from the Women’s World Cup 2023?
The Stars and Stripes’ exit at the hands of Sweden could see more players join Megan Rapinoe in quitting the team.
The USWNT’s dream of winning the Women’s World Cup for a third successive time is over after they suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Sweden in the round of 16 following a goalless draw. Now, a number of players who have been up the backbone of the team for a number of years are set to say goodbye to the international fold, with another World Cup likely to be a stretch too far.
The United States were favourites to hold onto the trophy going into the tournament, but they feeling was that they had made life difficult for themselves in the knockout rounds by failing to win their group ahead of the Netherlands. And their tough draw against the Swedes proved to be just that.
Megan Rapinoe to retire from professional soccer
Even before play got underway in Australia and New Zealand, we knew this would be the last we were going to see of the USWNT’s most identifiable star, Megan Rapinoe. The 38-year-old had stated before the World Cup started that she would retire from soccer after the tournament.
“This is going to be my last season, my last World Cup and my last year in the NWSL. I just want to thank everyone, Vlatko Andonovski, US Soccer, all my teammates I’ve played with, all my coaches. I could never have imagined where this beautiful game would have taken me. I have been able to have an incredible career and soccer has taken me all over the world and allowed me to meet incredible people”, were Rapinoe’s words as she brought an end to her playing career.
Will Alex Morgan continue with the USWNT?
Alex Morgan is the team’s other most high-profile star but is now 34 years old. Having already won the World Cup on two occasions and achieved legendary status in a white jersey, would it be a huge surprise to see her step aside?
Which other players could retire from international duty?
Similarly, first-choice goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher will be 39 by the time the next World Cup comes around. The Chicago Red Stars player was one of the protagonists of the shootout and was desperately unlucky to see the winning penalty sneak past her.
Julie Ertz: “Probably my last ever game”
Finally, 31-year-old Julie Ertz, normally a midfielder but who starred in central defence at the tournament, revealed after the defeat to Sweden that she wasn’t likely to continue playing for her country. “I think for me it’s just emotional because it’s probably my last game ever being able to have the honour to wear this crest”.
Rodman and Smith the great hopes for the future
It’s not all bad news for USWNT fans, however. The conveyor belt of talent never stops moving, and Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith are just two young players who have proved in Australia and New Zealand that they have what it takes to take up the mantle.
The Women’s World Cup 2023 has shown that other nations around the globe are becoming more professional and taking significant strides in women’s soccer, but, with four World Cups to their name, the United States is still the nation they all want to catch.