How the U23s can boost USWNT options for World Cup 2027

ACCRINGTON, England — United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has referred to the under-23 framework as «a lost generation,» but her initiative to reshape this crucial age group for advancement to the senior team now suggests that the U.S. is enhancing its prospects ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

A decisive 4-2 victory against England‘s U23s on Monday confirmed this, and with a roster primarily featuring National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) stars, the U.S. exhibited clinical precision and dominance — scoring from Emeri Adames and Maddie Dahlien in the opening half followed by goals from Sarah Weber and Ally Sentnor, a regular participant in the senior team, who secured the win.

«[They] caused us significant trouble,» remarked Sentnor, who has opted to join the U23s for additional playing time and to boost her confidence. «I feel immense pride in our team’s ability to rebound after conceding goals, truly coming together as a unit. We’ve cherished our time here, and it’s been a remarkable honor to compete at the U23 level.»

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The caliber of players displayed underscored the importance of Hayes’ emphasis on reinstating this age group since her appointment last year.

«I genuinely believe there’s been a lost generation that didn’t have numerous chances as they transitioned from U20s … and for those who didn’t ascend to the seniors, opportunities were limited,» she told ESPN’s Futbol W show in February. «I recently found out that in the U.S., there are fewer U23s participating domestically and internationally in terms of experience compared to many leading nations.»

Hayes drew inspiration from England’s recent youth team strategies and initiated the U23 program in the U.S. in April. The advantages are already evident.

The need to close the gap

England’s manager Sarina Wiegman has made efforts to revive the Lionesses’ U23 program since her appointment by the Football Association in 2021. By February 2024, it was thriving, leading her to organize a joint camp for both the U23s and seniors in Marbella. This trip allowed coaching staff to engage with some emerging players, resulting in several being selected for the senior team.

Players from the U23 level are now frequently included in England’s senior training sessions, serving to evaluate how they adapt to challenges while also testing the main squad with different playing styles. Wiegman has constructed a rotating pool, giving her effectively double the available players. Many of her recent selections — including Grace Clinton, Aggie Beever-Jones, Lucia Kendall, and Anouk Denton — secured their spots after keeping pace in those sessions.

Hence, when former Chelsea head coach Hayes assumed control of the USWNT late last year, one of her primary objectives was to rebuild the U23 pathway. In a press conference, she acknowledged that a strategy for women’s football development was «the one thing that’s lacking» in the system, asserting that the U.S. must «create a coherent plan that is achievable» to bridge the gap and offer «increased playing opportunities for our players.»

The American U23 initiative, established in 2008 after the dissolution of the U21s, had diminished over time — the team managed just four matches in 2019, one in 2022, two in 2023, and three preseason friendlies against NWSL teams, with no games in 2024. Following the USWNT’s gold medal victory at the Olympics in Paris, Hayes aimed to create a «B team» to close the gap into the senior squad.

Hayes adopted elements from Wiegman’s approach with her Futures Camp in January, leading to the full U23 program’s launch in April 2025. In that year, the U.S. engaged in four U23 matches, and intensive preparations have been underway to ascertain the exact needs of this age demographic with a particular emphasis on player development in anticipation of the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

«It’s been more than just discussions,» U.S. U23s manager Heather Dyche, appointed in November, told ESPN. «The federation has invested significantly in the U23s, granting us opportunities for players to experiment and build their confidence.»

A platform for growth

Kansas City Current midfielder Sentnor has already found the net four times in 13 appearances for the senior USWNT. Her debut took place last year during a standout NWSL season, where she was named 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year. To conclude 2025, the 21-year-old participated with the U23s, facilitating her growth in specific areas of her game with the aim of rejoining the senior squad in the upcoming year.

«I was just with the full squad, and now, being able to come here has granted me a lot of freedom and various avenues to develop as a player,» she shared with ESPN. «We possess a highly talented roster, so learning from the outstanding players representing the national team currently while returning here to lead and foster confidence within the group has been immensely rewarding.

«Competing against top-tier opponents has been incredibly beneficial. Any international exposure, particularly against elite competitors, is quite exciting.»

This opportunity has allowed Sentnor, who has netted two goals in her two U23 matches, to showcase her talents. Had she remained with the seniors — she played against Portugal, but did not face New Zealand during the October camp — amidst fierce competition for places, her past two weeks may not have been as fruitful. This aligns precisely with Hayes’ vision for the setup upon her commitment to its reintroduction.

Additionally, forward Jaedyn Shaw has divided her time between both setups throughout 2025, following her transfer to Gotham FC, with Hayes utilizing the U23s to support her in honing specific aspects of her game. Depending on her performances, Hayes has determined which camp would be more advantageous for her development.

Similarly, 18-year-old Seattle Reign defender Jordyn Bugg joined the senior USWNT for the first time in June. Hayes indicated that Bugg will likely participate at U23 level, and perhaps even in the U20 World Cup in Poland next September, «because that aligns with her long-term development strategy.»

This arrangement is mutually beneficial. Players with senior team experience can share knowledge and lessons gained from competing alongside some of the nation’s finest. The transition is seamless owing to the current organizational structures.

«I was expressing to the players here, they’re like, ‘what’s different?’ I’m like, ‘the players are really the only thing that changes,'» said Sentnor. «Our meetings are identical; the processes we undergo, the scouting, the analysis, the tactics, even the training sessions — the drills are the same. The consistency is remarkable, and it’s exciting to see the new generation of U.S. players emerge, which I find quite special.

«Those women [the senior team] were my idols and continue to inspire me. Being in that environment, the pace of play is incredibly fast. The level of intensity, the stakes of the matches we experience, is significant, and the standards they uphold are astonishing and inspiring. If we can incrementally elevate our standards towards that, and if our incoming generation embraces that, it will enable us to secure victories in World Cups and Olympics in the future.»

U23 manager Dyche, closely collaborating with Hayes, believes that fostering an atmosphere where players can shift seamlessly between the two setups will aid in cultivating a robust player pool ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

«She [Hayes] is dedicated to ensuring that all players, including those who may return to the U23s, continue to develop while receiving a unified message,» she remarked. «I believe we are effectively bridging the gap, which is our aim.

«When Ally [Sentnor] returns to the [USWNT], she’ll be even more confident, and when another player comes down, they get the chance to refine their skills, and those ready to advance will do so. It’s an excellent system that Emma is establishing, and it’s a joy to be part of.»

Looking towards the future

As the college draft is phased out and more athletes opt to forgo college soccer to pursue opportunities in the NWSL, the composition of the U.S. U23 team is changing. A noticeable shift away from college-centric talent is already in progress.

When Hayes initiated the Futures Camp in January 2025, the group had 10 college players and 14 professionals. However, the U23 program is now exclusively comprised of players with professional contracts, and nearly all but three (two in Europe; one in Mexico) play within the NWSL. This is not to suggest that current college talents are lacking, but engaging those already embedded in the professional realm facilitates a smoother transition and aligns the player pool more closely with that of the seniors.

The NWSL has also proposed the idea of establishing a second tier — akin to England’s WSL and WSL 2 — where all U23 players in England currently compete. This framework could offer a significant alternative pathway for U.S. players contemplating college or still not prepared for the upper echelons of NWSL teams. Nevertheless, this system is anticipated to take several years before it becomes a reality, with no immediate effects, though it will inevitably shape the long-term national pipeline.

Additionally, a significant query remains on how best to maximize the U23 program itself. In 2023, a European U23 league was initiated featuring nine national teams: England, Belgium, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden. These nations have well-established youth frameworks, something which is not quite the same for many of the U.S.’s regional neighbors. However, joining or broadening this competition could present a valuable opportunity for the U.S.

In 2025, the U.S. U23 team faced England and Germany, which accounted for three of their four matches this year; in contrast, England’s U23s played eight fixtures. The U.S. did encounter the Slovakia senior squad — winning 1-0 thanks to Sentnor’s goal — yet it is evident that, for now, Europe provides the most competitive environment for substantial U23 development.

The differing league schedules between the NWSL and Europe pose logistical challenges, but securing additional fixtures will be crucial as preparations for Brazil 2027 ramp up.

Despite this, U.S. Soccer is dedicated to the future of the U23s and, following the triumph over England’s upcoming generation, the outlook appears promising. Hayes has deployed 50 different players during her 30 USWNT matches, with over 30% of those being aged 23 and under. Many of these young talents will be eager to demonstrate their skills with hopes of integrating into the senior squad prior to the World Cup.

Hayes already has a clear understanding of the core group she anticipates counting on in pursuit of a fifth World Cup title, many of whom have featured in the latest two camps. Nonetheless, due to the adjustments she has enacted, the U23s have garnered attention. The next 18 months will be pivotal.