will have to weigh how many members of the long-established core

[Jin Wah]

The U.S. Women’s National Team begin its 2022 schedule at the seventh edition of the SheBelieves Cup, presented by Visa, which will be staged from Feb. 17-23 in its usual form of three doubleheader events. The 2022 SheBelieves Cup kicks off on Thursday, Feb. 17 at the Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif., as Iceland takes on New Zealand (5 p.m. PT on ESPN3) and the USA faces the Czech Republic (8 p.m. PT on ESPN and TUDN). The back-to-back defending champions, the USWNT will be looking to lift the SheBelieves Cup trophy for the third consecutive year while also maximizing valuable preparation time for an important year ahead.

With the qualification tournament for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2024 Olympics kicking off in less than five months, head coach Vlakto Andonovski and this 23-player roster will look to make the most of these three games as they prepare for Concacaf W Championship in July.

New Zealand vs Iceland SheBelieves Cup 2022
New Zealand vs Iceland Women SheBelieves Cup 2022
Iceland vs New Zealand SheBelieves Cup 2022
New Zealand Women vs Iceland Women 2022
NZ Women v Iceland Women 2022 Game
Iceland Women vs New Zealand Women 2022
USWMNT vs czech republic shebelieves cup 2022
USWMNT vs czech republic women cup
USA vs czech republic shebelieves cup 2022
United States vs Czech republic shebelieves cup 2022
USA Women v Czech Republic 2022 game
United States Women vs Czech Republic Football

Following the Thursday night match, the USA will continue SheBelieves Cup play on Sunday, Feb. 20, taking on 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-host New Zealand at Noon PT (ABC and PrendeTV). The Czech Republic and Iceland will meet in the second doubleheader of the day at 3 p.m. PT on ESPN3.

The USWNT is starting a major transitional year after a disappointing third-place finish in last year’s Olympics. 2022’s main focus will undoubtedly be World Cup qualifying in the form of the CONCACAF W Championship in July. Until that tournament, however, head coach Vlatko Andonovski will have to weigh how many members of the long-established core are likely to still play a leading role this summer. At the same time, many younger players plying their trade in both the NWSL and abroad will be hoping to make their cases for greater inclusion.

Two members of the United States roster bring over 100 caps: captain Becky Sauerbrunn enters the tournament with 199 caps, setting her up for an impending milestone (and, if the universe can let one good thing happen for us all, her first international goal, as well). Kelley O’Hara (148 caps) is one of seven members from the defending NWSL champion Washington Spirit. All eyes will be on another member of that group, though: 19-year-old striker Trinity Rodman. The reigning NWSL rookie of the year is looking to make her USWNT debut at SheBelieves after signing an NWSL record contract.

Keeping track
On The Athletic

We’ve got some great stories in the works, and we’ve got Steph Yang providing Sambas on the ground coverage in-stadium. As usual, you can expect quick analysis after each USWNT match here at The Athletic, which is always unlocked and free to read.