The Unbreakable Squad: Megan Rapinoe Leads an All-Star Lineup of 9 Returning USWNT Warriors

The United States women's national soccer team is striving for a third consecutive victory at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, and this formidable squad will be guided by a group of highly talented experienced players. Megan Rapinoe, who served as the team's captain alongside Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan in 2019, is set to make her final World Cup appearance after announcing her intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

On July 8, Rapinoe, 38, announced her decision to retire from playing this beautiful game with a profound sense of peace and gratitude. Sharing a throwback photo of herself as a child, she expressed her astonishment at how soccer has shaped and transformed her life.

Since 2006, Rapinoe has been an integral member of the USWNT, contributing to their Olympic gold in 2012 and their World Cup triumphs in 2015 and 2019. Notably, this recent World Cup victory comes after the USWNT resolved their equal pay lawsuit against U.S. Soccer, which governs both the women's and men's teams.

U.S. Soccer vowed in May 2022 to ensure equal pay for both the national teams during international matches and competitions, in addition to merging the unequal prize money the organization receives from FIFA, the governing body overseeing international soccer and the World Cup. Consequently, the prize money will be distributed equally among both the women's and men's teams. U.S. Soccer president, Cindy Cone, hailed this unprecedented move, emphasizing the pride and historic significance of the accomplishment.

Ahead of their first game against Vietnam on Friday, July 21, scroll down to meet all nine returning members of the U.S. team’s World Cup roster:

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Megan Rapinoe Gears Up for Final World Cup Appearance: Meet the 9 Returning Members of the USWNT

The United States women's national soccer team is striving to win their third consecutive title at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Leading the team will be a group of experienced and highly skilled veterans, including Megan Rapinoe. Rapinoe, who captained the team in 2019 alongside Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan, has announced that the upcoming World Cup will be her last, as she plans to retire at the end of the 2023 season.

On July 8, Rapinoe, 38, tweeted a throwback photo of herself as a child and announced her decision to retire from the game. With a profound sense of tranquility and appreciation, she expressed her gratitude for the ways in which soccer has transformed her life. Looking back at the young girl in the picture, Rapinoe reflects on how she could have never foreseen the immense impact the sport would have on her.

Rapinoe's storied soccer career includes playing for the USWNT since 2006, during which she contributed to the team's accomplishments such as winning Olympic gold in 2012 and achieving World Cup victory in 2015 and 2019. Her most recent World Cup appearance coincided with the resolution of the USWNT's equal pay lawsuit against U.S. Soccer, the governing body for both the women's and men's teams. This significant achievement adds another milestone to Rapinoe's journey.

In May 2022, U.S. Soccer made a groundbreaking announcement that the national teams would receive equal pay for participating in international matches and competitions. Additionally, any prize money received by U.S. Soccer from FIFA, the governing body of international soccer and the World Cup, would be distributed equally among both the women's and men's teams. U.S. Soccer president, Cindy Cone, emphasized the significance of this decision, stating that no other country had ever taken such measures, making it a truly historic achievement that everyone should take pride in.

Ahead of their first game against Vietnam on Friday, July 21, scroll down to meet all nine returning members of the U.S. team's World Cup roster:

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Megan Rapinoe

Fan favorite Rapinoe is set to make her return to the World Cup stage for the fourth and final time. After her outstanding performance in the 2019 tournament, where she claimed both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball accolades, the OL Reign winger aims to retire from professional football following the conclusion of this year's season. Despite being the oldest member of the 2023 team, Rapinoe remains steadfast in her commitment to giving her all on the field. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, she expressed her intention to be the team's "fun grandma" as she bids farewell to international competition. Notably, Rapinoe faced a setback earlier this season due to a calf injury, but fans can rest assured that USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski confirms her official clearance to participate in the upcoming World Cup.

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Alex Morgan

Morgan, aged 34, assumes the role of one of the two captains for the 2023 U.S. team. Prior to this, the talented striker from the San Diego Wave held the captaincy position during the 2019 World Cup, notably in the thrilling 2-1 victory over England in the semifinals. It was a momentous occasion, as Morgan scored the decisive goal on her 30th birthday. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times published on July 13, she expressed her commitment to being both a dedicated mother and an exceptional soccer player. "I strive to be the best mom and the best soccer player that I can be," she revealed. Morgan firmly believes that if she can achieve these goals, it will also be satisfying for her family.

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Lindsey Horan

Horan, who is 29 years old, made her debut in the World Cup in 2019 and netted a goal in the opening match against Thailand as a member of the U.S. national team. Unlike her teammates in the USWNT, she currently plays for Olympique Lyon in France instead of competing in the NSWL. In a statement announcing Horan and Morgan as captains, Andonovski, aged 46, highlighted their extensive experience in high-stake matches and their understanding of what it takes to triumph at the highest levels. He emphasized that both players are consummate professionals who grasp all the elements required for building a cohesive and motivated team. Andonovski expressed confidence that Horan and Morgan will serve as excellent representatives for the team both on and off the field at the World Cup.

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Julie Ertz

Ertz, aged 31, serves as a midfielder for Angel City FC, the Los Angeles-based team that boasts the co-ownership of noteworthy individuals such as Natalie Portman, Serena Williams, and America Ferrera. Ertz had the opportunity to represent the USWNT in the two most recent World Cups, and in the year 2019, she emerged victorious as the recipient of the highly esteemed U.S. Soccer's Female Player of the Year award.

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Crystal Dunn

Dunn, aged 31, was released from the team prior to the 2015 World Cup but secured a place on the 2019 roster. Representing the Portland Thorns, Dunn took a break from most of the 2022 season after welcoming her son Marcel. However, she is now back and prepared to serve as a dependable foundation for the defenders of the 2023 squad.

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Rose Lavelle

Lavelle, aged 28, emerged as one of the standout performers in the 2019 World Cup team, ultimately clinching the prestigious Bronze Ball accolade. Similar to Rapinoe, Lavelle is a member of the OL Reign and has been sidelined due to an injury. "Progress is being made," Lavelle informed reporters on June 27, alluding to her knee condition. "Undoubtedly, it has been extremely frustrating... Unfortunately, the timeline hasn't been ideal."

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Kelley O'Hara

O'Hara, who is 34 years old, currently serves as a wingback for Gotham FC, which represents New York and New Jersey. In her illustrious career, she has participated in the World Cups of 2011, 2015, and 2019. Notably, during the 2012 Olympics, she was one of the three U.S. players who played every minute in the tournament and emerged victorious, eventually clinching the gold medal.

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Alyssa Naeher

Naeher, aged 35, served as the U.S. starting goalkeeper during the 2019 World Cup held in France. She is a member of the Chicago Red Stars and also participated in the 2015 World Cup. Following the team's victory that year, the USWNT made history as the first women's sports team to receive a ticker tape parade in New York City.

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Emily Sonnett

Sonnett, 29, is a member of the OL Reign based in Seattle, where she plays alongside Rapinoe and Lavelle. This year, she is making her third appearance at the World Cup. Sonnett also represented the team in the 2020 Olympics, contributing in the final moments of the game that secured the bronze medal.