Over 70 NWSL Players Answer Call for International Duty in October FIFA Window

More than 70 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) stars from all 14 clubs are set to showcase their talents on the international stage during the October FIFA window, which kicks off on Monday, October 21 and runs through Wednesday, October 30. This period will see various teams engaging in friendly matches, with several European teams vying for spots in the upcoming EURO tournament in Switzerland through UEFA qualifying matches.

Leading the charge is the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT), which will feature 22 NWSL players from 12 different clubs in friendly matches against Iceland and Argentina. This window marks a milestone with the highest representation of NWSL clubs on the USWNT in a single call-up.

This surge in representation follows a historic moment at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where a record-breaking 61 NWSL players competed, accounting for nearly a quarter of the Olympic player pool. As the October FIFA window approaches, 22 players are returning to international duty after securing medals at the Olympics. Among them are 15 NWSL stars from the gold medal-winning USWNT, five from the silver-winning Brazil team, and two from the German national team, which clinched a bronze medal.

Every NWSL club will have at least one player representing their country during this FIFA window. San Diego Wave FC leads the pack with nine players called up, closely followed by NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Portland Thorns, each sending eight players on international duty.

The USWNT is introducing six uncapped players during this window, including Gotham FC midfielder Yazmeen Ryan, Racing Louisville FC forward Emma Sears, and Bay FC forward Alyssa Malonson. Additionally, five NWSL players are currently participating in the Under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, with four players representing the United States Youth Women’s National Team and Angel City FC forward Casey Phair on South Korea’s U-17 Women’s World Cup roster.

A comprehensive list of NWSL players competing during the October 2024 FIFA window can be found below, showcasing the diverse talent and international representation across the league. Players from various clubs are set to make their mark on the global stage, highlighting the NWSL’s growing influence in women’s soccer worldwide.