Ashley Sanchez Returned to USWNT After Three Years

The record-tying NWSL forward earned a national team recall following a dominant 2026 club season.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Soccer

Ashley Sanchez Returned to USWNT After Three Years

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Ashley Sanchez has rejoined the United States Women's National Team for the first time since 2023. Her return follows a historic 2026 NWSL campaign where she tied the league's single-season scoring record.

Why it matters

The forward's return to the national squad highlights her successful transition to winger for the NC Courage. Success in this role has unlocked her attacking potential, though she must now adapt to the defensive expectations of the coaching staff.

Sanchez recorded 20 goals across 27 matches during the 2026 NWSL season. In her recent international appearance against Spain, she logged 24 minutes and completed seven of nine passes.

The players

Ashley Sanchez

She is a professional soccer player who tied the NWSL single-season scoring record with 20 goals for the NC Courage in 2026.

Emma Hayes

She is the head coach of the United States Women's National Team tasked with integrating new tactical requirements for incoming players.

NC Courage

This is a professional NWSL soccer club that manages the development and tactical positioning of Ashley Sanchez.

The details

After being moved from midfield to the wing by the NC Courage, Sanchez successfully utilized her dribbling and attacking skills to reach the 20-goal mark. USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has indicated that Sanchez must now improve her defensive transition responsibilities to earn consistent minutes.

Sanchez played for the USWNT during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The forward tied the NWSL single-season scoring record during the 2026 season.
Sanchez returned to the USWNT training camp in October 2026.

Season Trajectory

Sanchez's recall signals a major shift in the USWNT attacking depth following the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Her ability to translate club-level scoring records into international success will determine her role in the upcoming squad rotation.

Sanchez is currently one goal away from setting a new NWSL single-season scoring record. Fantasy players and fans should monitor her defensive work rate, as it is the primary factor determining if she earns a starting spot in the next match against Spain.

The takeaway

Sanchez has proven her offensive utility at the club level after a successful tactical position change. She must now balance that attacking flair with the defensive discipline required at the international level to remain in the USWNT squad.