For fans of women’s soccer, the moment is finally here. The final rosters for the FIFA Women’s World Cup are being dropped across the globe, but nowhere is there more pomp and circumstance than here in America where the #1 ranked team in the world and defending Women’s World Cup Champions are announcing which players will make the trip down under to defend their crown.
Nothing highlights the feverish adoration for the United States Women’s National Team more than the eye-opening tier of celebrities who have lined up to call out the players.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden got the proverbial ball rolling, kicking off the unveiling.
Taylor Swift introduces Alex Morgan
Issa Rae introduces Alana Cook
Mariska Hargitay introduces Rose Lavelle
Shaquille O’Neill introduces Trinity Rodman
Megan Thee Stallion introduces Megan Rapinoe
Tina Fey introduces Emily Sonnett
Rainn Wilson introduces Andi Sullivan
Blake Lively introduces Lindsey Horan
Lamorne Morris introduces Aubrey Kingsbury
Mikaela Shiffrin introduces Sophia Smith
Amy Rodriguez introduces Savannah DeMelo
Gabrielle Union introduces Alyssa Thompson
Matt Turner introduces Julie Ertz
Sophia Bush introduces Sofia Huerta
Kelly Slater introduces Kelley O’Hara
Breanna Stewart introduces Alyssa Naeher
Tim Howard introduces Casey Murphy
Quinta Brunson introduces Naomi Girma
Mia Hamm introduces Emily Fox
John Cena introduces Lynn Williams
Jalen Hurts introduces Ashley Sanchez
Brooke Baldwin introduces Kristie Mewis
Lil Wayne introduces Crystal Dunn
What. A. Team.
My personal bracket puts them in the final versus England’s Lionesses in August even though the English side will be at a huge disadvantage without their captain, Leah Williamson, and their All-World striker, Beth Mead.
However…there’s a lot of soccer to be played before then and Spain is continuing to look dominant. Spanish manager Jorge Vilda had 15 players protest against him and declared that they would not to return to the national team until he was fired. Unfortunately, he wasn’t fired, and most of these players retracted their statements and joined the team. However, incredible Spanish players Mapi León, Clàudia Pina, and Patri Guijarro didn’t end their protest, and will miss the World Cup, which could prove to be disastrous for Spain but gets me fired up because I love their passion.
Don’t forget about Germany! Players like Lena Oberdorf and Lina Magull are incredibly dangerous. Plus, Germany will be hungrier than ever after losing the UEFA Women’s EURO final to England last year.
Much like the last Olympics, it feels like the field for women’s soccer is wide open and the stage is set for both potential and heartbreak. I could see Irish powerhouse Katie McCabe pushing Ireland through the group stage. Ditto for Nigerian phenom Asisat Oshoala. The women’s game has never shined brighter and no matter what, we’re all in for an AMAZING summer of soccer.
The Women’s World Cup kicks off on July 20th.
