The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) is gearing up to defend its title at the upcoming Women’s World Cup in 2023 and possibly win it for the third time in a row. With less than a month left for the first kick-off, USWNT seems to be making some changes including a shift in the role of key striker Megan Rapinoe.

On Wednesday, USWNT announced their final 23 women’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2023. Unsurprisingly, veteran Megan Rapinoe is also part of the squad which will mark her fourth World Cup appearance. However this time out, Rapinoe might not be the spearhead of the team like she has been in the past competitions.

Megan Rapinoe will don a new role

Following the squad announcement, USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski sat down in an interview where he shared his plans for the OL Reigns striker. He announced that “Megan Rapinoe is probably going to have a different role than the last World Cup or the previous two World Cups”.

Rapinoe has been a prominent player for the USWNT in both of her previous World Cup campaigns. She was the joint top scorer in the 2019 tournament, which the US won, alongside her bagging the Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards. However, at 38 years old, Rapinoe’s age may play a factor in her playing time in the upcoming tournament. Andonovski acknowledged this in the interview, stating that “She certainly is going to have different types of minutes”.

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But despite this, Andonovski highlighted the importance of Rapinoe’s leadership and influence within the team. “Her role, first from the leadership standpoint, is so important,” he concluded. Rapinoe’s new role in the USWNT may also open up opportunities for younger players to shine on the field. The team has a wealth of talented young players, including Alyssa Thompson, Trinity Rodman, and Naomi Girma.

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Andonovski’s comments suggest that he may be looking to give these players more time to showcase their abilities in the tournament. This just might be the right decision to help USWNT make history and make the three-peat a reality.

USWNT looking to make history

The FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, promises to be a momentous occasion. With 32 teams vying for the coveted trophy, the USWNT is generating significant attention from fans and analysts alike. Following their back-to-back victories in 2015 and 2019, the USWNT has set its sights on clinching an unprecedented third consecutive title – a feat yet to be achieved by any team in men’s or women’s soccer.

Their impressive form leading up to the tournament, including their victory in the SheBelieves Cup, only amplifies expectations for this squad. Though undoubtedly facing enormous pressure, we must wait with bated breath as these ladies embark on this historic journey toward glory.

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What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.