San Diego Wave forward Alex Morgan and defender Naomi Girma will join the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, it was announced Wednesday.
It will be Morgan’s fourth World Cup representing Team USA, while Girma earns her first-ever call-up.
Girma, 23, was the first player drafted in Wave history when she was selected in the 2022 NWSL Draft as the first overall pick. During her rookie season with the Wave, Girma made an immediate impact, while earning 2022 NWSL Rookie and Defender of the Year honors.
She’s appeared in 33 matches (33 starts) for the Wave in her club career.
Other Wave players who will take part in the World Cup are goalkeeper, Kailen Sheridan, who will represent Canada. and Sofia Jokobsson, playing for Sweden.
The Wave’s Emily Van Egmond, who competed in the 2012 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cups and 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games for Australia, has been named to her team as well.
Morgan, a native of San Dimas, signed with the Wave on Dec. 13, 2021. The 33-year-old forward posted 15 goals in regular season, earning her the 2022 NWSL Golden Boot award in the Wave’s inaugural season. Morgan has appeared in 29 matches (28 starts) for the Wave, while making 22 goals and six assists.
Girma has been a constant feature at national team camps since making her senior debut with USA in April 2022. The Stanford alum has made 15 appearances for her country, including starting in the CONCACAF W-Championship last summer.
Morgan has made herself a U.S. Soccer legend as she has represented the USA since March 2010 and has become one of the most prolific goal scorers in international history.
In 206 appearances, Morgan has scored 121 goals and earned 49 assists. Morgan has represented the United States on the 2011, 2015 and 2019 FIFA World Cup rosters, while helping earn gold in 2015 and 2019.
Of the 23 players named to the roster, Morgan has the most experience in the Women’s World Cup, having played 18 matches while scoring nine goals, six of which came at the 2019 tournament.
The United States was sorted into Group E of the 2023 FIFA World Cup along with Vietnam, Netherlands and Portugal. The USA will kick off group play against Vietnam at 6:00 p.m. PT on Friday, July 21, at Eden Park.
The U.S. will then face Netherlands at 6 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 26 at Wellington Regional Stadium, before closing out the group stage against Portugal at midnight PT on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Eden Park.
Then entire roster announced Wednesday:
Goalkeepers: Aubrey Kingsbury, Washington Spirit; Casey Murphy, North Carolina Courage; and Alyssa Naeher, Chicago Red Stars.
Defenders: Alana Cook OL Reign; Crystal Dunn, Portland Thorns FC; Emily Fox, North Carolina Courage; Naomi Girma San Diego Wave FC; Sofia Huerta OL Reign; Kelley O’Hara, NJ/NY Gotham FC; Emily Sonnett, OL Reign.
Midfielders: Savannah DeMelo, Racing Louisville FC; Julie Ertz, Angel City FC; Lindsey Horan, Olympique Lyon, FRA; Rose Lavelle, OL Reign; Kristie Mewis NJ/NY Gotham FC; Ashley Sanchez, Washington Spirit; and Andi Sullivan, Washington Spirit.
Forwards: Alex Morgan, San Diego Wave FC: Megan Rapinoe, OL Reign; Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit; Sophia Smith, Portland Thorns FC; Alyssa Thompson Angel City FC; and Lynn Williams NJ/NY Gotham FC.
While on the roster, Rapinoe and Lavelle also have been fighting injuries lately. Rapinoe and defender O’Hara were named to their fourth Women’s World Cup roster.
The roster will not become official until it is submitted to FIFA on July 9 (July 10 in Australia and New Zealand), which is the deadline for all teams to submit their final squads.
San Diego hosts OL Reign Saturday at Snapdragon Stadium. The match is the club’s annual Pride Night, presented by Queen Yasmine Law, with kickoff slated for 7 p.m.
