U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has provided an update on star duo Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson as they work to return from giving birth last year.
Swanson and Wilson both sat out all of 2025 on maternity leave. When healthy, the forwards make up two-thirds of the USWNT’s vaunted ‘Triple Espresso’ front three along with Trinity Rodman.
According to Hayes, both players are working on returning to the field but Wilson is farther along in the process.
Wilson and her husband, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson, announced the birth of their daughter Gianna in September.
‘So I think the most important thing for Soph is preseason. I think if she gets that under her belt, then she can absolutely be in consideration for SheBelieves, but she has to get a solid preseason at her club.’
Wilson, 25, has tallied 24 goals and 11 assists in 58 caps with the USWNT.
Swanson and her husband, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, welcomed daughter Josie James Swanson in November.
The Chicago Stars have said they anticipate having Swanson back some time in 2026, but Hayes wasn’t ready to put any kind of a timeline on the forward’s return.
‘When it comes to Mal, she is further away than Soph and still in the very early stages of post-pregnancy,’ Hayes said.
‘I don’t know her timeline to be exact, but I do think it will be behind Soph’s. I’m sure when she’s ready and with the support she’s got at Chicago, she’ll be back when she’s fit and able.’
Swanson, 27, has 103 caps with the USWNT, scoring 38 goals including the game-winner in the 2024 Olympic gold medal game against Brazil.
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