USWNT's Japan Triple Bill: Hayes Welcomes Back Wilson and Davidson for Epic Friendlies

Picture this: the US women's national team chowing down on Japan not once, but three times in a row. No, it's not a dodgy kebab van repeat order – it's Emma Hayes's cunning plan for the April international window. The four-time World Cup champs face the Asian Cup winners in a rare friendly trilogy, kicking off at PayPal Park in San Jose on April 11, then Lumen Field in Seattle on 14th, and wrapping up at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City on the 17th.

Hayes dropped a 26-player roster that's brimming with talent, calling Japan "one of the top teams in the world" after their slick 2026 Asian Cup triumph. "Playing the same side three times, especially one as wedded to their style as Japan, is a massive test," she grinned. It's like facing the same pub quiz master all night – by the third go, you either crack their code or cry into your pint.

Return of the Veterans: Wilson and Davidson Back in the Fold

The big news? Sophia Wilson and Tierna Davidson are back, like long-lost mates turning up fashionably late to the sesh. Wilson, part of that lethal "Triple Espresso" front three with Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson, has been sidelined for 15 months post-pregnancy – her daughter arrived in September 2025. The Portland Thorns star's last USWNT outing was October 2024, but she's firing on all cylinders now, starting in a recent win over KC Current.

Davidson, the defensive rock with 67 caps, shook off a 13-month ACL layoff from her NJ/NY Gotham FC days. Her last international memory? A 2-1 loss to Japan at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup – talk about unfinished business. She's eased back with sub appearances for Gotham, and Hayes is buzzing: "They're not just class players; they lift the whole dressing room."

Both snagged Olympic gold in Paris 2024, so expect them to slot in seamlessly. It's like adding extra cheese to your nachos – suddenly everything's golden.

Roster Rundown: Fresh Faces and Familiar Faces

Hayes trimmed the midfield to seven but packed the squad with promise. Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash, 10 caps) returns after nearly a year out, fresh off a nine-save shutout. Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign) and Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Man Utd) complete the trio.

Defence is stacked with nine: Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (Chelsea), Emily Sonnett (Gotham, 115 caps) and rising stars like Gisele Thompson (Angel City). Midfield boasts Sam Coffey (Man City), Rose Lavelle (Gotham, 118/27), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns) and teen sensation Lily Yohannes (OL Lyon).

Up top, seven forwards including Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit, 52/13), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham, hamstring on mend) and Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea). Michelle Cooper (KC Current) shakes off a foot knock, though her minutes have been sparse in a rocky start for her side.

Absences and Edges: Bethune Sidelined, Shaw on Track

No spot for Croix Bethune (KC Current), who's still bedding in after a transfer. The creative spark hasn't ignited yet beyond a debut goal. Hayes went lean in midfield, prioritising form.

Jaedyn Shaw's hamstring woes kept her out of three NWSL games, but inclusion signals green light. Meanwhile, Jane Campbell's club form – two clean sheets in three – has her ahead of the pack.

This camp's a proving ground as the USWNT evolves under Hayes. Three Japans in a fortnight? It's brutal, brilliant prep. Grab the popcorn (or popcorn chicken for the Japanese vibes) – these friendlies could spark some serious selection fireworks.