Ashley Sanchez returns to U.S. national team after scoring record goals
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 29, 2026, 5:21 PM
Last updated Sep 29, 2026
Ashley Sanchez has been named to the U.S. national team for upcoming friendlies against No. 1 Spain after a prolific season in the NWSL. The North Carolina Courage winger has tied the league's single-season record with 20 goals, leading to her return after nearly two years. Her strong performance includes five multi-goal games in her last seven matches. U.S. coach Emma Hayes emphasized the camp's focus on reestablishing connections and final preparations for the World Cup qualifying tournament later this year. Sanchez has the opportunity to break the overall scoring record in her next match before joining the national team camp in Atlanta on Monday.
- •Sanchez scored 20 goals this season, tying the NWSL single-season record.
- •She last played for the national team on October 30, 2024.
- •The U.S. will face Spain in friendlies on October 10 and 13.
- •Several players, including Mallory Swanson and Naomi Girma, return to the squad.
- •Injuries have sidelined several key players from the roster.
- 6:04 PMESPN Soccer — Ashley Sanchez on USWNT roster, Shaw left out
- 5:16 PMYahoo Sports — Ashley Sanchez returns to USWNT roster for Spain friendlies after long absence
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — Ashley Sanchez's resurgence leads to her return to U.S. national team
"Ashley Sanchez is back with the U.S. women’s national team. The North Carolina Courage star was among 26 players USWNT coach Emma Hayes named to her roster for a crucial pair of friendlies against reigning World Cup champion Spain on Oct. 10 and 13. The squad contains a mix of new and familiar faces in new and familiar positions. Sanchez has played her way back onto the national team after more than 18 months in stellar club form. Mallory Swanson returns for her second camp since giving birth to
"NWSL leading goalscorer Ashley Sanchez will return to the United States women's national team for the first time in nearly two years next week as the Americans prepare for a pair of high-profile friendly matches against world No. 1 Spain.
"The North Carolina Courage winger highlights the U.S. roster for a pair of friendlies against No. 1 Spain.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerSep 29, 2026, 6:04 PMAshley Sanchez on USWNT roster, Shaw left out
NWSL leading goalscorer Ashley Sanchez will return to the United States women's national team for the first time in nearly two years next week as the Americans prepare for a pair of high-profile friendly matches against world No. 1 Spain.
- Yahoo SportsSep 29, 2026, 5:16 PMAshley Sanchez returns to USWNT roster for Spain friendlies after long absence
Ashley Sanchez is back with the U.S. women’s national team. The North Carolina Courage star was among 26 players USWNT coach Emma Hayes named to her roster for a crucial pair of friendlies against reigning World Cup champion Spain on Oct. 10 and 13. The squad contains a mix of new and familiar faces in new and familiar positions. Sanchez has played her way back onto the national team after more than 18 months in stellar club form. Mallory Swanson returns for her second camp since giving birth to
- Yahoo SportsSep 29, 2026, 5:00 PMAshley Sanchez's resurgence leads to her return to U.S. national team
The North Carolina Courage winger highlights the U.S. roster for a pair of friendlies against No. 1 Spain.
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