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08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
USMNT 2026 World Cup roster Big Board: Which Gold Cup players made their case?
HOUSTON — Malik Tillman hunched over. Chris Richards sank toward Earth. Tyler Adams stood, alone, as jubilant Mexican players began their party. Matt Freese sat down and turned away. They, the U.S. men's national team, were spent, and 'disappointed,' after falling in Sunday's Gold Cup final. They ripped off their silver medals. 'I threw my medal away,' Richards said. But they were also proud of the 'culture' they built. And 'the other huge positive,' captain Tim Ream said, was that 'guys have stepped up who have maybe taken a backseat previously.' Leaders emerged, and made this Gold Cup worthwhile, even if it ended in defeat. Advertisement From the very beginning, with several starters absent, this pre-World Cup summer was framed as an 'opportunity.' An opportunity for fringe players to establish themselves. An opportunity for newbies to play their way onto the USMNT roster for 2026. And a few did that. Most didn't. But Richards solidified his place in the starting 11, and "stepped up in more of a vocal role,' Ream said. Diego Luna further endeared himself to head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Tillman earned at least a longer look as a playmaker, either off the bench or in the starting 11. So, where does the U.S. roster stand with 11 months to go? 'All the American players have the possibility [to be included],' Pochettino said Sunday. Advertisement And he meant it. In many ways, his USMNT depth chart seems more unsettled than it was in the fall, or even way back in 2023. The following — our third edition of the World Cup Big Board — is an attempt to assess it, and rank dozens of players based on the likelihood that they make the 26-man World Cup squad next summer. Crystal Palace's Chris Richards proved he's more than worthy of a USMNT World Cup roster spot at the 2025 Gold Cup. (Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images) (John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images) World Cup roster locks* *In Pochettino's eyes, or at least according to his public words, there is no such thing as a roster lock. We'll take those words with a proverbial grain of salt, but ever since the USMNT flopped in March, his words have seemed to carry more weight. So, we've trimmed down our list of locks. And as always, the mere concept comes with caveats. Injuries, off-field troubles and a variety of other issues could still derail careers between now and next summer. That said … Advertisement 1. Chris Richards, defender, Crystal Palace (+9) Richards was the best U.S. player at the Gold Cup. More broadly, he's the only U.S. player with undisputed first-11 quality who performed well at the Gold Cup, and rode with Pochettino from start to finish this summer. He also found his voice, 'making sure guys are doing the right things, making sure guys are in the right positions,' Ream, his center back partner, observed. Assuming health, there's no chance he's not in the squad next summer. 2. Antonee Robinson, defender, Fulham His offseason knee surgery gives a bit of pause, but it was 'minor' and most likely a medium-term positive. Advertisement Robinson opted for that surgery over the Gold Cup, which also gives a bit of pause; but Pochettino and the American public didn't frown upon his decision as much as they did Pulisic's. 3. Tyler Adams, midfielder, Bournemouth Adams wasn't great at the Gold Cup. He was hampered by multiple ailments. When I asked him Sunday night to assess his tournament, he acknowledged: 'Listen, I think for me, the biggest thing was coming out of it healthy.' And in Pochettino's eyes, the biggest thing was probably his presence. 'At the end of the season, to be quite fair, I was drained,' Adams said. 'But mentally, I wanted to grind and be a role model for so many of the guys here. Because I love playing for this team and this country.' Advertisement That alone counts for something. 4. Tim Weah, forward, Juventus (+1) The USMNT's single biggest problem this past month was its lack of a vertical winger. With Tillman and Luna, two No. 10s, jammed into nominally wide roles — and with fullbacks or even Sebastian Berhalter relied upon for width — the U.S. posed very little direct threat. This allowed opponents, like Mexico, to squeeze the midfield. Every aimless pass and dead-end possession reinforced Weah's importance. Likelies 5. Christian Pulisic, forward, AC Milan (-5) Look, Pulisic is probably a lock. He's the best player this country has ever produced. He's in his prime. With a full offseason to recharge, he should shine in 2025-26. Advertisement But there's a chance, albeit a slim one, that Pochettino was so put off or even offended by Pulisic's decision to opt out of the Gold Cup that he banishes his star from the squad. (Pulisic's subsequent comments that he 'didn't understand' Pochettino's decision to not let him play in pre-Gold Cup friendlies probably didn't help, either!) 6. Weston McKennie, midfielder, Juventus (-2) McKennie, fairly or unfairly, has been cast as the face of the crew who don't take national duty seriously enough. The onus is now on him to prove otherwise. And although his Gold Cup absence was out of his control — he was with Juve at the Club World Cup — he is much more replaceable than Pulisic. If Poch really wanted to send a message, dropping McKennie could do the trick. (But it wouldn't be smart; when lights are bright, McKennie is a top-three player in this pool.) Tim Ream made a strong case to be included on Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT squad next summer. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/USSF/Getty Images) (Ron Jenkins/USSF via Getty Images) 7. Tim Ream, defender, Charlotte (+11) At 37, Ream is clearly beginning to slow. Multiple strikers exposed his vulnerability at the Gold Cup. But Pochettino gave him the captain's armband, and stuck with him through the tournament. Even if he doesn't start next June, he'll almost certainly make the squad as a leader and veteran presence. Advertisement 8. Sergiño Dest, defender, PSV (+1) Dest reported to Chicago for summer camp, then departed before the Gold Cup. Pochettino said in a statement through a spokesman at the time that his staff had "done a series of evaluations this week on all the players in camp, and in the case of Sergiño, we determined the best decision is for the player to have an individualized training program for the summer so he can focus on being fully recovered and ready to perform next season." As long as that happens, Dest is a lock. The USMNT has missed his ball progression and sizzle. 9. Yunus Musah, midfielder, AC Milan (-3) Musah missed the Gold Cup for 'personal reasons.' He hasn't said what those reasons were. But he has reported to AC Milan for preseason, amid reports that he's wanted by the Serie A champions, Napoli. We'll assume he's in good standing with everyone who matters. Advertisement 10. Malik Tillman, midfielder, PSV/Bayer Leverkusen? (+4) There have been a wide variety of reactions to Tillman's Gold Cup. He was excellent against Costa Rica and lesser opponents. He mostly disappeared against Mexico. So, as he (likely) moves from PSV to Bayer Leverkusen, there are legitimate questions about the viability and sustainability of his playmaking at the highest level. But there's one uncontested takeaway: For the first time, Tillman performed for the national team. No matter the level of opposition, that's significant, and bodes well for his prospects under Pochettino going forward. 11. Matt Turner, goalkeeper, Nottingham Forest/Lyon? (-4) Turner lost the U.S. starting gig to Matt Freese. Pochettino, though, repeatedly clarified that this was largely, if not solely, because Turner has hardly played competitive soccer games since last summer. He's still the most accomplished goalkeeper in the pool. And in his stead, Freese didn't exactly excel. Turner, therefore, remains a pretty safe bet for the World Cup roster, even if he's not the No. 1. Diego Luna, Malik Tillman and Patrick Agyemang all improved their stock at the Gold Cup. (Photo by Aric Becker/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images) (Aric Becker/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images) 12. Diego Luna, midfielder, Real Salt Lake (+13) Pochettino adores him. (America does, too.) Critics argue he wasn't actually that effective this summer, outside of the two goals against Guatemala. But only one of those opinions matters. Even if Poch comes to the realization Luna can't hang at the highest levels, he'd probably go to the World Cup as a manifestation of 'attitude, hunger, desire … That,' Pochettino said last week, 'is what we want.' Advertisement 13. Folarin Balogun, forward, Monaco (-5) Balo missed October, November, March and June with injuries. He still hasn't played for Pochettino. But, in his absence … Ricardo Pepi, the main man capable of stealing his starting spot, has also been injured. Josh Sargent, perhaps the best striker in the English Championship, struggled in March and was omitted from the Gold Cup squad for 'football' reasons. Patrick Agyemang tried hard, really hard, but clearly doesn't have the technical or tactical ability to lead a line at the World Cup. So, Balogun will surely be in September camp if he's healthy, and probably has to be in the World Cup squad if the USMNT is to hit its ceiling. 14. Ricardo Pepi, forward, PSV Eindhoven (-1) Much of the above applies to Pepi as well. The main difference: Balogun has proven, at least in spurts, that he can score at a Big Five level. Pepi hasn't done much outside CONCACAF and the notoriously soft Dutch league. Matt Freese single-handedly kept the USMNT in the Gold Cup with three brilliant saves against Costa Rica. (John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images) (John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF via Getty Images) Bubble 15. Matt Freese, goalkeeper, New York City FC (+) Freese got his first USMNT starts, and … looked rather shaky throughout the tournament. But he met his biggest moment, the penalty shootout against Costa Rica. Pochettino also loved his willingness to run the length of the field to join a 20-player skirmish. Advertisement Overall, Freese made a positive impression — or at least positive enough to earn more call-ups. But let's not get carried away; if everyone is healthy and starting for their clubs, Pochettino's three keepers could end up being Turner, Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte. (The latter two missed the Gold Cup due to injury.) 16. Joe Scally, defender, Borussia Mönchengladbach (-5) Scally was an unexplained omission from the Gold Cup roster. Most would assume he'll be back in camp come the fall, but … perhaps Pochettino just doesn't rate him? Even if he's not good enough on the ball to start for the U.S., though, he profiles as a valuable backup who can be thrown on for the final 15 minutes to defend a lead. Advertisement 17. Johnny Cardoso, midfielder, Real Betis/Atlético Madrid? (-5) For about 20 minutes last month, Johnny was the patrolling defensive midfielder that he is in Spain, the one apparently worth over $30 million to Atlético Madrid, the one from USMNT supporter dreams. Then he carelessly gifted a goal to Türkiye. He spiraled, and regressed into the sloppy, slow-thinking player he's been for the U.S. So he returned to Pochettino's bench. He then spent the final week of the tournament working through an ankle injury. How Poch views him is anybody's guess. 18. Josh Sargent, forward, Norwich City (-2) Of all the Gold Cup absences, Sargent's — a 'football decision' made by Pochettino — could prove the most consequential. This summer, against the likes of Haiti and Costa Rica, would've been the perfect opportunity for the 25-year-old to score his first national team goal(s) since 2019. Advertisement It's a remarkable drought that makes Sargent borderline unplayable in meaningful matches until it's broken in a friendly or low-pressure game. Why Poch brought Brian White to camp this summer instead of Sargent is baffling. 19. Mark McKenzie, defender, Toulouse (+1) McKenzie started one of eight games this summer — the 4-0 loss to Switzerland. He didn't play a single consequential minute during the Gold Cup. He entered the summer in an apparent competition with Ream for the second center back spot. He left as a distant third on the depth chart at best. 20. Haji Wright, forward, Coventry City (-3) Wright departed USMNT camp with an Achilles injury. His absence was felt, especially against Mexico. Advertisement His track record suggests he should be on the right side of the roster bubble, but he hasn't proven anything directly, up close and personally, to Pochettino. 21. Tanner Tessman, midfielder, Lyon (-2) Tessmann, another victim of Pochettino's vague 'football decisions,' is a mysterious case. He was a surprise starter in March; then a surprise omission in May. He's been rising at Lyon in France, but has no obvious place in this USMNT. How does Poch rate him? [Insert shrug emoji here.] 22. Gio Reyna, midfielder, Borussia Dortmund (-7) The frustrating narrative is that Reyna missed the Gold Cup to play all of 12 minutes for Dortmund at the Club World Cup. The provocative narrative is: Would Pochettino have even called him in if available? Advertisement Reyna desperately needs to find a new club to revive his still-young career. He probably needs to accept a step down, find a coach who'll give him a chance, and seize that chance. Then, and only then, will we find out if Pochettino will tolerate his languidness. (Unfortunately for Reyna, languidness seems to be the bane of Pochettino's existence.) 23. Alex Freeman, defender, Orlando City (+) Freeman was solid for most of the tournament against MLS-esque opposition. He was then at fault on both Mexico goals. He's likable and pliable, eager to learn, but … is he ready for the international level? It's very difficult to make the case that he's more ready than Scally (who, by the way, is only two years older than Freeman). Max Arfsten made one of the biggest leaps on this list with his Gold Cup performance. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images) (CHANDAN KHANNA via Getty Images) 24. Max Arfsten, defender?, Columbus Crew (+11) Oh, Max Arfsten. What a player. The 24-year-old Californian is an audacious dribbler and a confident, two-footed attacker who, for some reason, fits Pochettino's description of a left back. (Which is significantly different from the wingback position he plays in Columbus.) Advertisement The Costa Rica game epitomized Arfsten. He clumsily conceded a penalty. He responded with an assist. He scored a go-ahead goal with a well-timed run and weak-foot finish. Then he looked like a training dummy as Costa Rica equalized. USMNT fans are already (rightly) distrustful of his defending against CONCACAF foes, to say nothing of potential World Cup foes. But he might just be the second-choice left back. 25. Patrick Agyemang, forward, Charlotte FC/Derby County? (+5) Agyemang has become the USMNT's most polarizing player, a physical striker who makes ish happen, and also makes attacking moves go awry. He started all six games of the Gold Cup. He was strong with his back to goal, and a menace running the channels. But when running toward goal, with or without the ball, he was shoddy. So, is he a World Cup candidate? Yes, but far from a sure thing. He's probably fourth on the depth chart, but with an asterisk: his hold-up play is better than that of any striker above him. If Poch wants a change of pace instead of a third goalscorer — or if one of the three above Agyemang is injured — he's the next line. Advertisement A mooted move to Derby County in the English Championship could change that, for better or worse. 26. Zack Steffen, goalkeeper, Colorado Rapids (-2) Steffen experienced something of a late-20s renaissance, and looked like a challenger to Turner. But his injury — a recurring theme — forced him to relinquish his chance to Freese. It's unclear if, or when, his second chance might come. 27. Patrick Schulte, goalkeeper, Columbus Crew (-4) For a while, Schulte looked like the primary challenger to Turner in net. But a fluky late-May oblique injury, suffered in pregame warmups, robbed him of the chance to challenge this summer. Advertisement So, his situation is similar to Steffen's. The goalkeeper position is wide open. 28. Sebastian Berhalter, midfielder, Vancouver Whitecaps (+) Berhalter got to U.S. camp last month and instantly knew what it took — and what it meant — to play for the national team. He had an inherent advantage, of course; his dad used to play for and coach the team; Sebastian had watched obsessively for years. But that doesn't take anything away from how he grasped the responsibility, and showed the required intensity. He embraced the confrontational grit of CONCACAF. He played like he belonged — even when his natural ability suggested he didn't — and put in an application for a World Cup ticket as a so-called 'vibes guy,' the type of role that his dad gave to Cristian Roldan in 2022. Advertisement 29. Cameron Carter-Vickers, defender, Celtic (-8) His one and only USMNT game over the past 12 months was the deflating 2-1 loss to Canada in March. Will Carter-Vickers get another shot? He certainly seems to be out of contention for the starting spot next to Richards. 30. Aidan Morris, midfielder, Middlesbrough (-3) Did he just need a rest? Or is Morris firmly on the outside looking in after failing to impress Pochettino in the coach's first camp last October? We could find out in the fall. 31. Miles Robinson, defender, FC Cincinnati (+3) 32. Auston Trusty, defender, Celtic (-10) 33. Walker Zimmerman, defender, Nashville SC (+) At least one of these three or Carter-Vickers has to go to the World Cup. (And if McKenzie doesn't go, two have to go.) Advertisement Pochettino stuck with Richards and Ream throughout the tournament, so we got no hints about who he favors among the reserves. Center back depth continues to be a concern. 34. Jack McGlynn, midfielder, Houston Dynamo (-3) At the beginning of camp, he was starting on the right wing, and pinging a first-minute goal past Turkey. By the end, he was on the bench, and ineffective whenever he came off it as a substitute. Pochettino seemed to realize that McGlynn's slowness and slenderness made him a poor fit for the international game — and, therefore, a longshot for the World Cup roster. 35. Brenden Aaronson, midfielder, Leeds United (-9) He does the one thing Poch seems to value more than anything else — run — but not much else. That he could hardly get off the B-team's bench is an indictment of his standing with the national team. Advertisement 36. Luca de la Torre, midfielder, San Diego FC (+) Luca is what he is at this point: a tidy midfielder with little upside to become much more. He was serviceable at the Gold Cup, but there's probably no room for him in the U.S. midfield at the World Cup. 37. Damion Downs, forward, FC Köln/Southampton? (+) He's probably fifth on the striker depth chart, and didn't do anything at the Gold Cup to change that. Also on the fringes: DeJuan Jones, Auston Trusty, John Tolkin, Cristian Roldan, Kevin Paredes, Chris Brady, Paxten Aaronson, Brian White, Marlon Fossey, Alex Zendejas, Gianluca Busio, Quinn Sullivan, Sean Zawadski and Daryl Dike.
The 42
30-06-2025
- Climate
- The 42
Carla Ward's Ireland feel the heat during Stateside slog
AFTER A SECOND heavy defeat to USA in three days, Ireland boss Carla Ward spoke about 'dangerously hot' conditions in Cinicinatti. Temperatures soared over 30 degrees as the depleted Girls In Green shipped another 4-0 drubbing yesterday. They lost on the same scoreline at altitude in Denver. Anna Patten also blasted the 'ridiculous' heat and humidity after another difficult outing against the world number one, who were also understrength. 'I actually don't think words can describe it,' Patten told RTÉ. 'To play with only a two-day break against the quality of players they have, in that temperature at this time of day, to be honest, it's a bit ridiculous.' The defender gave an insight into how hard it was to play in it, with high heart-rates unable to drop as bodies were overworked. Players were 'unwell' and 'begging to come off,' Ward explained, giving the sideline perspective. 'On 22 minutes, there were a couple of players asking to come off. We couldn't make those changes,' she told Tony O'Donoghue. Advertisement 'Then, at half time, we unfortunately had three enforced changes physically, due to fatigue, and a couple of them were unwell at half time. Even through the second half, players (were) almost begging to come off and we couldn't do anything about it.' Katie McCabe, Denise O'Sullivan, Megan Campbell, Aoife Mannion, Leanne Kiernan and Heather Payne were among the Irish absentees due to unavailability and injury. Others who travelled were on limited minutes, the overwhelming majority out of season. While Ward has talked up the merits of the trip, most will feel that it was a rather pointless endeavour. The timing was challenging, with the Championship contingent out of action since late April. The WSL finished on 10 May. Bar the NWSL and League of Ireland players, most have been holidaying and recharging the batteries in recent weeks after long, tough seasons. This was always going to be a mismatch, made more so by the loss of key Irish players, particularly star duo McCabe and O'Sullivan. The US were also down some big names, with Emma Hayes opting to rest all bar one of her European-based crew, Chelsea's million dollar defender Naomi Girma. But a young, domestic selection — all in season — made their mark, eager to impress and secure their future with the serial winners. Alyssa Thompson, Olivia Moultrie and Emma Sears were among those to dazzle across the double-header; Ireland outplayed and outmuscled twice, the gulf in class as wide as it has ever been. Albeit in very different circumstances, Ireland's pre-World Cup friendlies Stateside two years ago finished 2-0 and 1-0. Along with the same result in 2008 at Giants Stadium, a one-goal loss is as good as it has ever gotten in an abysmal record of friendlies in the US: 17 meetings, 17 defeats, 59 goals conceded, one scored. While the games themselves are tricky to assess, and won't be read into too much, it has all added to a sense of drift. 2025 has been testing: that much was inevitable after the Euros qualification heartbreak, the raft of retirements, and a change of management. Right now, it's hard to see that these friendlies, the first of Ward's mixed reign, have done more good than harm. While they will point to the opportunity of playing against one of the best teams in women's football, the Nations League promotion/relegation playoff against Belgium in October is the next big focus, and this didn't seem like appropriate preparation. Granted, when initial plans were in place, Ireland likely held aspirations of automatic promotion. Still, there must have been scope for experimentation and blooding new players, such as the U19 Euros stars of last summer, as 2027 World Cup qualifying looms large. Ellen Molloy, Hayley Nolan and Izzy Atkinson were the only different, yet familiar, faces in the squad; all used sparingly. Erin McLaughlin and US-born Dee Bradley were called up mid-camp; neither featured. The back-up goalkeepers remained unused. Ward deployed a 4-5-1 formation for the most part — Chloe Mustaki getting a real chance at left-back in the absence of McCabe and Campbell, Jessie Stapleton again covering on the right amidst a lack of options — but reverted to a back three/five for Sunday's second half. (Nolan and Lucy Quinn played out of their preferred positions.) While we at home didn't learn much from the exercises, that was one on-field positive the manager pointed to in her TV interview. 'We've looked at two different systems, we've looked at two different ways of playing. We've added a couple of other layers to what we want to try and do. 'I think overall as a camp, it's been a powerful one in terms of learning and educating in various ways.' Sometimes, the benefit of these trips — and difficult games — are seen only in hindsight. Soundings from the camp were positive through a whistle-stop tour, the social media dispatches underlining a tight-knit squad bonding further. Right now, it might seem pointless and meaningless to some, but the hope is that further spirit has developed and that the extended period together has been purposeful on the training pitch and in the classroom. The Belgium playoff is almost four months away, 116 days to be precise, but it will roll around quickly. The Red Flames, in Euro 2025 action over the coming weeks as Ireland watch from afar, will bring plenty more heat.
Irish Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Japanese high school students perform incredible version of Welsh anthem
Ahead of this summer's Test series between Wales and Japan, Japanese high school students have delivered a stirring rendition of the Welsh national anthem, Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. The Welsh team, led by Matt Sherratt, is set to face off against the Brave Blossoms in two Tests next month. The first match will be held at Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu on 5 July. This isn't the first time the Welsh side has visited Kitakyushu; they were warmly welcomed there during their pre-World Cup training camp in 2019. Gathered at Kokura Station, the students were dressed in Welsh rugby T-shirts while harmonising to the 'Land of My Fathers'. The collective received warm applause after completing their version of the anthem. Warren Gatland's Wales spent six days in the city prior to the 2019 World Cup, with hundreds of schoolchildren turning up to welcome the squad to their hometown. Chants of 'Go, Go, Cymru!' could be heard from the crowds at the airport. As well as this, Kokura Castle was illuminated in the colours of Wales. After Wales face Japan in the first Test next month, they will travel to Osaka Bay. The second and final match against the Brave Blossoms will take place in Kobe at the Noevir Stadium on July 12. Wales have lost 17 international matches in a row, and are looking for their first win since October 2023, with interim head coach Sherratt the man tasked with trying to steer the ship. Ahead of the tour, the Cardiff Rugby boss has drafted in T Rhys Thomas, Adam Jones, Danny Wilson and Gethin Jenkins onto his coaching staff. Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny is the latest to be added, and will take on his first international coaching role despite still being an active professional player. The iconic full-back is rumoured to be joining French second division outfit Beziers next season, but over the summer he'll be taking on kicking coaching duties from mentor Neil Jenkins in the Far East. At the helm for Japan is former England boss Eddie Jones, who has recently called up a university student ahead of the tour. There are 16 uncapped players in the squad, with an average age of just 26. There's just one player with more than 50 caps in the squad - veteran Michael Leitch, who has played in four World Cups and earned 87 appearances at Test level. The two nations have not faced each another for nine years. Current Grenoble fly-half Sam Davies knocked over an 80th-minute drop goal for Gatland's side to win 33-30 at the death in the autumn internationals of 2016.
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Schoolchildren burst into brilliant Welsh national anthem at Japanese train station
Schoolchildren burst into brilliant Welsh national anthem at Japanese train station It's the first time Wales will play Japan since November 2016. Japanese high school students produced an impressive version of Wales' Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ahead of this summer's Test series between the two nations. Matt Sherratt's Welsh side will face the Brave Blossoms in two Tests next month, with the first game taking place at Mikuni World Stadium in Kitakyushu on July 5. Wales previously visited Kitakyushu for their pre-World Cup training camp in 2019, where they were given a fine welcome by the host nation. Japanese pupils have now done something similar. Gathered at Kokura Station, the students were dressed in Welsh rugby T-shirts while harmonising to the 'Land of My Fathers'. The collective received warm applause after completing their version of the anthem. The Japanese translation for the Welsh national anthem was provided on the big screen for spectators, with images of the Wales team on the walls ahead of their visit to the Kyushu Island city. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Warren Gatland's Wales spent six days in the city prior to the 2019 World Cup, with hundreds of schoolchildren turning up to welcome the squad to their hometown. Chants of 'Go, Go, Cymru!' could be heard from the crowds at the airport. As well as this, Kokura Castle was illuminated in the colours of Wales. Article continues below After Wales face Japan in the first Test next month, they will travel to Osaka Bay. The second and final match against the Brave Blossoms will take place in Kobe at the Noevir Stadium on July 12. Wales have lost 17 international matches in a row, and are looking for their first win since October 2023, with interim head coach Sherratt the man tasked with trying to steer the ship. Ahead of the tour, the Cardiff Rugby boss has drafted in T Rhys Thomas, Adam Jones, Danny Wilson and Gethin Jenkins onto his coaching staff. Wales legend Leigh Halfpenny is the latest to be added, and will take on his first international coaching role despite still being an active professional player. The iconic full-back is rumoured to be joining French second division outfit Beziers next season, but over the summer he'll be taking on kicking coaching duties from mentor Neil Jenkins in the Far East. At the helm for Japan is former England boss Eddie Jones, who has recently called up a university student ahead of the tour. There are 16 uncapped players in the squad, with an average age of just 26. There's just one player with more than 50 caps in the squad - veteran Michael Leitch, who has played in four World Cups and earned 87 appearances at Test level. Article continues below The two nations have not faced each another for nine years. Current Grenoble fly-half Sam Davies knocked over an 80th-minute drop goal for Gatland's side to win 33-30 at the death in the autumn internationals of 2016.
The 42
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Minimal change in low-key squad announcement for Ireland's US summer tests
THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS low-key, the squad itself not straying too far from recent iterations after all. It was released through FAI social media channels at noon, while a press release landed in journalists' inboxes. There was no press conference with head coach Carla Ward, as is customary; some quotes instead circulated for use as the 23-player selection for a friendly double-header against the US was unveiled. Katie McCabe's unavailability was flagged last week, the captain rested after a hectic season which culminated in Champions League glory with Arsenal. Ward stated McCabe was 'on the verge of burnout' after the Nations League group finale against Slovenia, and suggested 'a number' of other players would not travel Stateside for the off-season series. More change was probably anticipated than followed, Ward selecting a relatively familiar squad as Ireland build towards their Nations League play-off with Belgium in October. Eight players were listed by the FAI as unavailable, four of them long-term injury absentees in Jamie Finn, Jess Ziu, Lily Agg and Tara O'Hanlon. Heather Payne and Leanne Kiernan had both been ruled out of the last camp, while Aoife Mannion joined the captain as the other name: the Manchester United defender played the first half of the Türkiye game, but didn't feature against Slovenia as her load — and a quad knock — was managed. Aside from the now-retired Louise Quinn, Shelbourne's Aoibheann Clancy was the only other player from the last squad not included following a recent bereavement. 'The WNT players and staff send their condolences to midfielder Aoibheann Clancy following the passing of her mother, Siobhan. She is being given the time to deal with this difficult period and has the full support of the WNT squad,' read the press release. Advertisement Hayley Nolan and Izzy Atkinson (centre) return to the squad. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Ellen Molloy, Hayley Nolan and Izzy Atkinson were the three headline inclusions. Molloy and Nolan receive their first call-ups under Ward. Molloy has been impressing in the SSE Airtricity Women's Premier Division since returning to Wexford, and now gets a fresh opportunity with Ireland. The 21-year-old midfielder was a regular under Vera Pauw, before an ACL injury interrupted her rise. A move to Championship outfit Sheffield United followed, and Molloy won her first senior cap since 2022 in last October's Euro 2025 playoff semi-final against Georgia. Another injury followed, she left Sheffield in January after four months due to personal reasons, and has been thriving amid home comforts. Nolan is back in the fold for the first time since late 2023 under Eileen Gleeson, having last played for Ireland in the pre-World Cup friendlies against the US. It's a full circle moment for the Crystal Palace defender, who has see-sawed between fine form and injury in recent times. 'Hayley has been unlucky to miss out on being included in recent squads, simply because we have a lot of competition for places at centre-back,' said Ward. 'We have kept an eye on her at club level, I've spoken with her managers and also had conversations with her. So we are excited to bring Hayley in and give her a chance.' There notable change is in defence, in the absence of first-choice full-backs McCabe and Mannion. Atkinson gets the nod as another left-sided option alongside Megan Campbell and Chloe Mustaki, while right-back is an area in which Ireland currently lack choice. Mannion appeared to nail down the position through the Nations League, though is naturally a centre-back. Jessie Stapleton deputised against Slovenia and will most likely have to do so again without injured duo Payne and Finn, but Nolan's versatility could also be useful. Expect huge competition at centre-half: there's a spot up for grabs for the first leg against Belgium with Anna Patten suspended, and no shortage of contenders. The rest of the squad runs along the same lines as the last, with no change in the goalkeeping department and Molloy added to a midfield selection spearheaded by Denise O'Sullivan, who will be stand-in captain. 'Ellen is a player who we have been tracking closely,' said Ward. 'She has done well for Wexford over the last two months and has been on the longlist for our squads, so we needed an opportunity to take a closer look at her in our environment and this is it. 'We know how talented Ellen is but it's how she can adapt that to international level is what we need to look at. I watched her when she was with Sheffield United and we've been watching her at Wexford, so we want to see how she gets on during this camp.' There's also continuity in attack, all who featured in the last window returning. New recruit Erin Healy is recalled, and could win her first cap in her country of birth. Atkinson is actually listed as a forward. The 23-year-old Dubliner gets a fresh international opportunity following her departure from Crystal Palace. She was in Ward's first squad where 'tough love' was offered after falling 'out of favour' at Palace, but was left out thereafter. Related Reads Recalls and absentees as Ireland squad named for US friendlies Have expectations been set too high for Ireland after mixed Nations League group? Like Molloy and Nolan, the 2023 World Cup bolter will be looking to get back in the picture. Ireland head coach Carla Ward. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Further experimentation with new faces, like younger and domestic talent, may have been hoped for in some quarters, but Ward sticks with pretty settled squad as the Belgium play-off looms large. The US provide formidable competition as the world number one, reigning Olympic champions and four-time World Cup winners. Their European-based players will be rested, but Emma Hayes still has an abundance of top stars to choose from. Ward cites her as a mentor and close friend and has unique insight, having worked in the set-up at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as a scout and performance analyst. Now, she leads Ireland into their 16th and 17th meetings with the US in Denver (Thursday 26 June) and Cincinnati (Thursday 29 June). 'We know how good USA are, they've always been world-class but I believe Emma has taken them to another level and that's why this is a great test for us. To be coming up against the very best is a good opportunity for us,' said Ward. 'When these games were first proposed to us we knew that we would be without certain players, but that opens the door for others to step up. 'Of course you always want to win games but, for me, the most important aspect of these two games will be the performance and continuing to implement our processes. 'These two fixtures will be our final preparation, in terms of games, before we take on Belgium in October, so we want to make the most of these opportunities.'
