Over a multi-year period, the SheBelieves Cup has become one of the premier international competitions in the world. This year, due to the FIFA calendar, the competition is going to run a little differently. Previously, the teams would play in a round-robin with three group-stage games each. This year, due to time constraints, the four teams will go straight to the semifinals with four total matches for the competition. Here’s our preview of the 2024 SheBelieves Cup Semifinals.
USWNT vs. Japan, Saturday: April 6, 9:30 AM PT/12:30 PM ET, TNT/Telemundo/HBO Max/Peacock
The USWNT is bringing in a similar roster from the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a few changes. Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario are returning, which is huge for the USWNT.
Swanson was in some of the best form of her life before the injury, and Macario is a versatile player who can pass and score with the best of them. What’s unfortunate is the change in the format of the competition. If there were the three group stage games, we’d likely see 16-year-old Lily Yohannes make an appearance, as well as the newest PSG signing, Eva Gaetino. However, with the semifinal as the first game, the USWNT should put out the best possible roster as opposed to giving some younger players a chance.
