Ashley Sanchez Rejoins USWNT Following Record-Tying 20-Goal NWSL Season

Forward Ashley Sanchez received her first USWNT recall in nearly two years after scoring 20 goals for the North Carolina Courage this season.

North Carolina Courage forward Ashley Sanchez has returned to the United States Women’s National Team for the first time since October 2024. Sanchez enters the October 2026 international window as the NWSL’s leading scorer with 20 goals, a mark that ties the single-season league record established by Temwa Chawinga in 2024. This scoring output exceeds Sanchez's total goals from her first five professional seasons combined.

During Tuesday's practice at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia, Sanchez trained as a winger. While she previously served as a central playmaker for both club and country, her record-setting form this season occurred while playing on the wing for North Carolina. Head coach Emma Hayes noted that Sanchez and other returning players, such as midfielder Jaelin Howell, are attending extra tactical meetings to adjust to the team's current systems.

The USWNT is preparing for two friendly matches against Spain, the reigning World Cup champions. Hayes confirmed that Sanchez and fellow recent call-ups—including Kate Del Fava, Evelyn Shores, Trinity Byars, and Pietra Tordin—will not start against Spain but may appear as substitutes. Sanchez, 27, was a member of the 2023 World Cup roster but did not record any minutes during that tournament. She has three NWSL matches remaining after the international break to attempt to break the league's scoring record.