The United States Women’s National Team is entering another important period as it prepares for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. While experienced stars remain central to the team’s ambitions, the next generation is already becoming an important part of the USWNT picture.
Among the young players attracting attention are Claire Hutton, Lily Yohannes, and Alyssa Thompson. All three have already earned senior-team experience, and their different styles give the United States options across midfield and attack. The current U.S. Soccer roster lists Hutton and Yohannes as midfielders and Thompson as a forward.
With the 2027 World Cup approaching, these three players could become increasingly important to the team’s development under head coach Emma Hayes.
Claire Hutton: A Young Midfielder With Leadership Potential
Claire Hutton has quickly developed into one of the most interesting young midfielders in the USWNT setup. Born in January 2006, Hutton plays as a midfielder and currently represents Bay FC at club level. U.S. Soccer lists her with 20 senior appearances and one goal for the national team. What makes Hutton particularly interesting is not simply her age but the amount of responsibility she has already received. In 2026, she has been part of every international window to that point, and she wore the captain’s armband during matches against Paraguay. Bay FC also noted that she became the youngest-ever USWNT captain at age 20 during the January 2026 match.
That type of experience can be extremely valuable for a young player preparing for a major tournament.
Claire Hutton’s Role for the USWNT
Hutton’s role is centered around midfield, where her defensive work and ability to contribute to buildup can give the United States additional balance. The modern USWNT midfield requires players who can defend, recover possession, and help move the ball forward. Hutton’s development could give Emma Hayes another option as the coaching staff continues to build depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Her club development is also moving forward. Bay FC signed Hutton to a new five-year contract in March 2026, keeping her with the club through the 2030 NWSL season. Hutton’s continued progress at club level could therefore be closely connected to her role with the national team.
Lily Yohannes: Creativity and Technical Ability in Midfield
Lily Yohannes represents another important part of the United States’ emerging midfield group.
Born in June 2007, Yohannes plays as a midfielder and currently represents OL Lyonnes in France. U.S. Soccer lists her with 20 senior appearances, one goal and two assists for the USWNT. She made her senior debut against Korea Republic in June 2024 and scored in that same match.
Yohannes’ development has attracted attention because of her technical ability and composure despite her young age.
Her experience in European football also allows her to develop in a highly competitive environment. Playing at a major European club can expose a young midfielder to different tactical approaches, opponents, and styles of play.
Why Lily Yohannes Could Be Important in 2027
The 2027 World Cup will require the USWNT to have midfielders who can handle pressure and create opportunities against teams that defend in different ways.
Yohannes can potentially provide that creativity.
She is still developing, and it would be too early to say exactly what her role will be in Brazil. However, her continued inclusion in the senior national team shows that she remains part of the wider group being developed for the future. The current USWNT roster includes her among its midfield options.
If Yohannes continues gaining international and club experience, she could become an important creative option for the United States by the time the 2027 tournament arrives.
Alyssa Thompson: Speed and Attacking Threat
Alyssa Thompson gives the USWNT a different type of attacking option. Thompson was born in November 2004 and plays as a forward. She currently plays for Chelsea FC in England, and U.S. Soccer lists her with 32 senior appearances and four goals for the United States. Her rise through American soccer has been impressive. Thompson became the first high-school-aged player and youngest overall pick in NWSL Draft history when Angel City selected her No. 1 overall in 2023. She later moved to Chelsea, giving her experience in one of Europe’s strongest women’s football environments. That combination of youth, pace and international experience makes Thompson one of the forwards worth watching as the USWNT prepares for 2027.
Alyssa Thompson’s Potential Role in the 2027 World Cup
Thompson’s biggest value could come from the attacking energy she provides.
Against teams that defend with a high line or leave space behind their defense, a quick forward can change the way a team attacks. Thompson’s ability to operate in advanced positions gives the United States another way to threaten opponents. She has already been involved regularly with the senior team. U.S. Soccer’s 2026 statistics show Thompson appearing in six matches during the year through June 10, starting five and scoring once.
The next stage of her development will be about becoming more consistent and turning opportunities into goals and assists.
Claire Hutton Lily Yohannes Alyssa Thompson Compared
Although the three players are often discussed together as part of the USWNT’s young generation, they do not play the same role.
Hutton is primarily a midfielder whose development can add defensive stability and control in the middle of the field. Yohannes is also a midfielder but offers a different profile, with technical creativity and attacking potential. Thompson operates farther forward and can provide pace and direct attacking movement.
That variety is exactly why their development could be useful to Emma Hayes.
Instead of relying on young players to perform the same job, the United States can develop different profiles for different tactical situations.
How the Three Players Fit Emma Hayes’ USWNT
Emma Hayes has been working to build a competitive USWNT group that combines experienced players with emerging talent.
The current roster shows how quickly these younger players have become part of the senior-team environment. Hutton, Yohannes and Thompson are all currently listed among the national team’s regular player pool.
For Hayes, the challenge will be finding the right balance between development and results.
The United States has historically been expected to compete for major titles, but developing players before a World Cup requires giving them meaningful international minutes. The experience Hutton, Yohannes and Thompson gain during the buildup to 2027 could therefore be just as important as their performances at the tournament itself.
Why the 2027 Women’s World Cup Could Be a Breakthrough Tournament
The 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Brazil, making it another major test for the United States.
The tournament is still ahead, meaning the final USWNT squad is not yet guaranteed. Injuries, club form, tactical changes and performances during qualifying can all influence the final selection.
That makes the development of young players particularly important.
Hutton, Yohannes and Thompson already have senior international experience, but they have time to continue improving before the tournament. Their progression over the next year could determine how significant their roles become.
The Importance of Youth for the USWNT
The USWNT has a long history of producing players who become important figures on the international stage at a young age.
The current generation is no different.
Young players need opportunities to learn alongside experienced teammates, while coaches need to determine which players can handle the pressure of international tournaments. Hutton has already experienced leadership responsibilities, Yohannes has gained senior international exposure at a very young age, and Thompson has been developing as an international forward since her teenage years.
Their different experiences could become valuable when the competition becomes more intense.
What to Watch From Claire Hutton Before 2027
For Hutton, the biggest storyline will be her continued development as a central midfielder and leader.
Her ability to win the ball, maintain possession and help organize the midfield will be important. If she continues to receive international minutes and develops her leadership skills, she could enter the 2027 World Cup conversation as one of the team’s most trusted young midfielders.
Her move to Bay FC also gives her an important club environment in which to continue developing.
What to Watch From Lily Yohannes Before 2027
For Yohannes, consistency and experience will be key.
She already has the technical qualities needed to attract attention, but the next stage is translating those qualities into consistent performances against top international opponents.
Her continued development with OL Lyonnes and the USWNT could make her one of the most intriguing young midfielders in the American player pool.
What to Watch From Alyssa Thompson Before 2027
Thompson’s progress will likely be measured through her attacking output.
Goals, assists, chance creation and her ability to influence matches will all matter as she competes for a place among a talented group of USWNT forwards.
Her experience at Chelsea gives her another high-level environment in which to develop. U.S. Soccer currently lists Chelsea as her club and identifies her as a forward for the national team.
Could Hutton, Yohannes and Thompson Make the 2027 World Cup Team?
It is too early to guarantee any player’s place on the final 2027 World Cup roster.
However, all three have already established themselves within the senior USWNT environment. The current U.S. Soccer roster lists Hutton, Yohannes and Thompson, while 2026 statistics show that all three have already appeared for the national team during the year.
If they remain healthy and continue progressing, their chances of being serious World Cup candidates should remain strong.
Three Players Who Could Shape the USWNT’s Future
Claire Hutton, Lily Yohannes and Alyssa Thompson represent three different parts of the United States’ next generation.
Hutton can provide midfield control and leadership. Yohannes offers technical creativity and another option in the center of the pitch. Thompson brings attacking pace and a direct threat in the final third.
Their careers are still developing, but all three have already reached the senior international level.
As the USWNT moves closer to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, their progress will be worth following. The final squad will depend on many factors, but the continued emergence of these three young players gives the United States another reason for optimism.
Claire Hutton Salary
Claire Hutton’s exact salary is not publicly confirmed in the official sources reviewed. What is known is that she signed a new five-year contract with Bay FC in March 2026 that keeps her with the club through the 2030 NWSL season. Bay FC announced the contract after acquiring Hutton from the Kansas City Current in a transfer valued at $1.1 million in intra-league transfer funds. The transfer fee should not be confused with Hutton’s personal salary, as the money was paid between clubs rather than directly to the player.
Gisele Thompson
Gisele Thompson is an American professional soccer defender and the younger sister of USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson. She was born on December 2, 2005, and plays for Angel City FC. U.S. Soccer lists Thompson as a defender wearing No. 12, with a height of 5 feet 4 inches and 11 senior USWNT appearances.
Gisele has also become an interesting name in the next generation of American women’s soccer. She entered the professional game at a young age and has continued to gain experience with Angel City and the U.S. national team setup. Her connection with Alyssa has also made the Thompson sisters one of the more recognizable young sibling stories in women’s soccer.
Claire Hutton Net Worth
There is no verified public figure for Claire Hutton’s current net worth. Websites that publish estimated net-worth figures often use calculations or assumptions rather than confirmed financial records, so those numbers should not be treated as official.
Hutton is still at an early stage of her professional career, but her financial profile is likely to grow as her career develops. Her move to Bay FC was one of the biggest intra-league transfers in NWSL history, with Bay FC paying $1.1 million in transfer funds to Kansas City Current. She also signed a five-year contract through the 2030 season.
Claire Hutton Age
Claire Hutton was born on January 11, 2006, in Bethlehem, New York. As of August 2026, she is 20 years old. Despite being only 20, Hutton has already established herself within the senior USWNT environment and has received significant responsibility at club and international level.
Her age is one reason she has attracted so much attention ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She has several years of potential international development ahead of her and is already gaining experience under USWNT head coach Emma Hayes.
Claire Hutton Height
Claire Hutton is listed at 5 feet 6 inches (5’6″) by U.S. Soccer. She plays as a midfielder and wears No. 16 for the USWNT according to her official U.S. Soccer profile.
Her physical profile, combined with her mobility and defensive ability, has helped her become an important midfield option. Bay FC has also highlighted her ability to break up play and compete physically in midfield.
Claire Hutton Contract
Claire Hutton signed a five-year contract with Bay FC through the 2030 NWSL season in March 2026. The agreement came shortly after Bay FC acquired her from the Kansas City Current in an intra-league transfer.
The transfer itself involved $1.1 million in transfer funds, making it one of the largest intra-league moves in NWSL history. Hutton had just completed a strong sophomore campaign in which she earned NWSL Best XI First Team honors and was nominated for Midfielder of the Year.
Her long-term contract demonstrates how highly Bay FC values her development. It also gives the club an important young midfielder around whom it can build for several seasons.
Claire Hutton Stats
Claire Hutton’s official U.S. Soccer profile lists her as a midfielder for Bay FC and the USWNT. The profile currently lists 20 senior appearances, one goal and one assist for the United States.
Her club career has also continued to develop quickly. After moving to Bay FC in February 2026, she became an important part of the team’s midfield. In July 2026, Hutton scored her first career NWSL goal for Bay FC and also recorded an assist in the club’s 2-2 draw against Boston Legacy FC.
Her defensive statistics have also attracted attention. Bay FC reported that early in the 2026 season she ranked among league leaders in tackles won, duels won and interceptions.
Claire Hutton Jersey
Claire Hutton wears No. 16 for the United States Women’s National Team, according to her official U.S. Soccer profile. At club level, she wears No. 8 for Bay FC.
The No. 16 USWNT jersey has become associated with Hutton as she has established herself in the national-team setup. Fans looking for a Claire Hutton jersey should make sure they are purchasing an officially licensed product and check the latest club or national-team availability, since jersey numbers and merchandise availability can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Claire Hutton, Lily Yohannes, and Alyssa Thompson?
Claire Hutton and Lily Yohannes are midfielders for the USWNT, while Alyssa Thompson is a forward. All three are part of the current U.S. senior national-team player pool.
Are Claire Hutton, Lily Yohannes, and Alyssa Thompson expected to play in the 2027 World Cup?
Their final selection cannot be guaranteed yet. However, all three already have senior international experience and are currently part of the USWNT player pool.
How old is Claire Hutton?
Claire Hutton was born January 11, 2006. U.S. Soccer lists her hometown as Bethlehem, New York.
How old is Lily Yohannes?
Lily Yohannes was born June 12, 2007. She is one of the youngest players in the current USWNT setup.
How old is Alyssa Thompson?
Alyssa Thompson was born November 7, 2004. She plays as a forward and currently represents Chelsea FC in England.
What position does Claire Hutton play?
Claire Hutton plays as a midfielder for the USWNT and Bay FC.
What position does Lily Yohannes play?
Lily Yohannes is a midfielder and currently plays for OL Lyonnes in France.
What position does Alyssa Thompson play?
Alyssa Thompson plays as a forward for the United States and Chelsea FC.
Conclusion
The road to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will give the United States plenty of opportunities to test its younger players, and Claire Hutton, Lily Yohannes, and Alyssa Thompson are among the names to watch.
Hutton’s leadership and midfield qualities, Yohannes’ creativity, and Thompson’s attacking ability give Emma Hayes three different young options as the USWNT continues to evolve.
None of their World Cup places are guaranteed, but their current involvement with the senior team shows that they are already part of the conversation. If their development continues at club and international level, all three could have important roles to play when the United States arrives in Brazil for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
