USWNT Primed for World Cup Three-Peat: A Look at the Team's Prospects, Key Players, and Challenges

Created: JANUARY 24, 2025

The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) stands on the cusp of a historic achievement at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup: a potential three-peat. While four teams have accomplished back-to-back victories, no nation has ever secured three consecutive World Cup titles.

As the tournament kicks off in Australia and New Zealand, the USWNT enters as the clear favorites, carrying the weight of expectation. Two-time World Cup champion Carli Lloyd, speaking with Fox News Digital while promoting FanDuel's partnership with North Edge Craft Coffee for the launch of FanFuel Extra Kick Coffee, believes the team will maintain composure amidst the pressure.

Carli Lloyd at FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Brand launch

Lloyd emphasizes the team's established mindset: they are consistently viewed as favorites, and opponents are always eager to defeat them. She suggests the focus remains on the immediate task, rather than dwelling on the potential historical implications. The first objective is securing the top spot in their group, followed by navigating the knockout stages.

For veteran Megan Rapinoe, this World Cup marks her final appearance representing the USWNT. Lloyd praised Rapinoe's unique creative abilities and her knack for providing assists, highlighting her irreplaceable impact on the team. While Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Julie Ertz are established stars, emerging talent Sophia Smith is another player to watch. The 22-year-old led the USWNT in goals last year and has the potential to make a significant impact on the world stage.

Megan Rapinoe training with USWNT

Lloyd acknowledges the pressure on Smith as a young player expected to shine, but hopes she can maintain focus and play freely. Beyond the offensive stars, Lloyd also highlighted defender Naomi Girma's composure and confidence.

The USWNT's journey begins against Vietnam, followed by matches against the Netherlands and Portugal. Lloyd identifies the Netherlands as the primary challenge in the group stage, emphasizing the importance of securing first place to avoid a more difficult path in the knockout rounds.

Sophia Smith official portrait

Despite the historical context, Lloyd believes the USWNT will remain unfazed by external pressures. The team's focus remains on the ultimate goal: lifting the World Cup trophy once again.

Carli Lloyd with the World Cup trophy

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