League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: Spain Category: Breaking News

USWNT lacks No. 1 goalkeeper as competition intensifies ahead of 2027 World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 10, 2026, 11:46 AM

Last updated Oct 10, 2026

USWNT lacks No. 1 goalkeeper as competition intensifies ahead of 2027 World Cup

Summary

As the U.S. women's national soccer team prepares for a pair of friendlies against World Cup champions Spain, the search for a permanent No. 1 goalkeeper remains unresolved following Alyssa Naeher's retirement in 2024. Head coach Emma Hayes has emphasized fostering competition among goalkeepers, intentionally developing a deeper pool of talent in anticipation of the 2027 World Cup. Claudia Dickey and Phallon Tullis-Joyce have emerged as leading candidates, with coaches noting the need for goalkeepers to adapt to evolving demands of the game. This period of assessment is vital for player development ahead of next summer.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Alyssa Naeher retired from international soccer in 2024.
•Claudia Dickey and Phallon Tullis-Joyce are top goalkeeper prospects.
•Dickie has outperformed Tullis-Joyce recently in minutes played.
•The USWNT faces Spain in two friendlies in the coming days.
•Coaching staff aims to reassess options for the 2027 World Cup.

Latest Updates

11:46 AMYahoo Sports — After decades of consistency, USWNT doesn’t have a No. 1 goalkeeper. It’s by design

What they're saying

"
The U.S. women’s national team has always had a clear No. 1 goalkeeper, with the position following an obvious line of succession since the program’s beginnings. Yet, since Alyssa Naeher retired from international soccer in 2024, who her permanent replacement is remains anyone’s guess. And that, national team coaches say, is all part of their plan. Constant competition for the top spot in net is by design, with U.S. women’s head coach Emma Hayes and her coaching staff intentionally using the las
— Yahoo Sports

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