The 5 players who could be Naomi Girma's long-term USWNT partner

Two years until the next World Cup, there are plenty of questions facing the U.S. women's national team. Even in areas of relative certainty.

For example, it's more or less a given that Naomi Girma will be an automatic starter at center back so long as she's healthy, given that she's arguably the best defender on earth. But the race to earn the right to be her partner in the position is wide open.

During the 2024 Olympics, Girma played every minute, helping the U.S. keep four clean sheets and allow just two goals across six matches. Tierna Davidson began the tournament alongside Girma before missing two games because of a knee injury. Davidson returned to the lineup for the semifinals and finals, although she was unable to complete the 90 minutes in both games.

But Davidson was hit by another injury in late March, tearing her ACL in an NWSL game for Gotham FC. With a timeline for her return uncertain, there is an opening in the USWNT lineup for the second center-back spot. Here is a look at the top five candidates who could win that opening.

Emily Sonnett

Sonnett is perhaps the obvious option. She started the two games that Davidson missed during the Olympics and then subbed on for Davidson in the final two games, helping to secure the Gold Medal for the U.S. She’s also started regularly during USWNT’s 12 games since the Olympics, indicating that she has the trust of Emma Hayes.

However, it’s a slight concern that she’ll be 33 by the 2027 World Cup, prompting questions of whether she can maintain starter-quality form for another two years. Plus, she’s also been an indispensable bench player throughout her national team career, deputizing at center back, full back, and defensive midfielder. The USWNT risks losing some of that versatility if she’s starting.

Tara McKeown

Fueled by her excellent play with the Washington Spirit, McKeown has quickly become a favorite of Hayes. She started two of the three matches during the SheBelieves Cup in February, which is telling, especially since Davidson was still available at that time.

Oddly enough, McKeown played striker in college, even winning Pac-12 Forward of the Year her junior year, before moving to center back. That gives her the type of dribbling ability and poise on the ball that can be critical at the international level. It also means that McKeown is still learning the position. If she’s come this far already, when the World Cup rolls around in 2027, McKeown could be something special, especially playing alongside Girma.

Emily Sams

Similar to McKeown, Sams has excelled in the NWSL over the past couple of seasons, earning her auditions with the USWNT. She was an alternate at the Olympics last summer, spending the rest of the year anchoring a strong Orlando back line that helped the Pride win the NWSL championship.

Playing time with the national team has been a little sparse thus far, as Sams has just four caps. However, she’s a well-rounded defender who brings plenty of physicality to the table, excelling both in the air and as a one-on-one defender. While still lacking international experience, Sams has a skill set that complements Girma, so on paper, they figure to be a solid center-back duo.

Eva Gaetino

Despite getting called into national team camp a few times, Gaetino has just one cap. She started a 3-0 win over Argentina last October, in a match in which she wasn’t asked to do much defending. That puts her a little behind the curve compared to some of the other USWNT center backs.

On the other hand, Gaetino is a little younger, just 22 years old. After a standout college career at Notre Dame, Gaetino has a season and a half under her belt at Paris Saint-Germain. Her upside is high, although whether she can develop quickly enough to catch up to the other center backs by 2027 remains to be seen. One thing helping her case is that Gaetino is 5-foot-11, giving the USWNT the type of size at center back they are missing with Davidson sidelined.

Alana Cook

Cook is just barely in the picture. She played 44 minutes against Brazil in April, which is her only action for the national team since 2023. To her credit, she’s been a key part of the Kansas City Current since being traded there in 2024.

Cook also has good size at 5-foot-9 and has 30 international caps under her belt. However, she hasn’t made the NWSL Best XI team since 2022. If Cook can get back to being one of the best center backs in the NWSL, she could get another chance with the USWNT. Otherwise, she’s going to have a hard time being in the mix for a spot on the national team, even as a reserve.