Ashley Sanchez Will Join U.S. Roster for Spain Friendlies
The U.S. Women's National Team added Ashley Sanchez to the squad ahead of their October 10 match against Spain.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Soccer
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The U.S. Women's National Team has called up 27-year-old midfielder Ashley Sanchez for upcoming friendlies starting October 10, 2026. This selection follows her dominant performance with the NC Courage during the current regular season.
Why it matters
The call-up provides Sanchez an opportunity to further solidify her role with the national team as the program builds toward the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Her presence on the international stage highlights her recent success in domestic league play.
Sanchez has tallied 28 national team appearances and 3 international goals in her career. She has also recorded 20 goals in 26 games for the NC Courage this season, tying the NWSL single-season scoring record set by Temwa Chawinga in 2024.
The players
Ashley Sanchez
She is a 27-year-old professional soccer player who currently competes for the NC Courage in the NWSL.
U.S. Women's National Team
This is the representative senior soccer team for the United States that competes in international tournaments.
NC Courage
The NC Courage is a professional women's soccer team based in North Carolina that plays in the National Women's Soccer League.
The details
Sanchez earned her place on the national roster after a prolific stretch with the NC Courage, where she currently sits tied for the single-season NWSL goal record. She will look to build on her international resume, which includes 4 assists and experience from the 2023 World Cup roster.
Timeline
Sanchez received her first national team call-up in 2016.
Sanchez made her national team debut in 2021.
Sanchez scored her first international goal in 2022.
Sanchez was on the World Cup roster in 2023.
The U.S. plays a friendly against Spain on October 10, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This roster addition marks a pivotal moment for Sanchez as she balances her push for the NWSL single-season scoring record with national team duty. Her performance in these friendlies will be critical in determining her standing for the upcoming 2027 World Cup cycle in Brazil.
With four regular-season matches remaining for the NC Courage, Sanchez is only one goal away from setting a new NWSL single-season scoring record. Her absence during the friendly window may impact her club's final standing as they fight to maintain their current momentum.
The takeaway
Sanchez has demonstrated elite offensive production at the club level, tying a historic NWSL scoring mark. Her transition back to the international stage tests whether she can replicate that domestic efficiency against top-tier competition.
Further reading
Find more updates on the national team's preparations and upcoming schedule on the Soccer page.
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Does seeing local players join the national team make you more likely to attend club games?
