USA are known for going big and the announcement of their team for the FIFA Women’s World Cup did not disappoint with a star studded line up including USA President Joe Biden, pop star Taylor Swift and basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal announcing the squad.
Team USA have lifted the trophy a total of four times are looking to go three in a row when they arrive in Australia for the Cup.
They clearly have the support of the nation this campaign, set to be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 – with a host of A-listers including signers, actors, comedians, sports stars and even the President helping announce the team – highlighting just how big women’s football is becoming.
The quirky video went viral overnight, racking up more than 3.1 million views in a matter of hours.
President Biden starts the announcement.
“The US Women’s National Soccer team epitomise what it means to be a champion,” President Biden said.
“From lifting trophies to fighting for gender equity these women have been a source of inspiration to Americans of all ages, our family included.”
A long list of A-listers including Taylor Swift, Shaquille O’Neal, Tina Fey, Blake Lively and Kelly Slater read off the entire 23-woman squad, including a fun fact about each athlete.
Swift revealed she was a huge football fan.
“It is my honour to announce to you number 13 Alex Morgan, someone who I consider a friend and someone I’m a massive fan of,” Swift said in the video.
“I’m such a huge fan of the whole team and I can’t wait to watch you guys play this year.”
Football fans will be pleased to see Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe in the squad for their fourth World Cup.
Morgan has 121 goals from her 206 national appearances.
Rapinoe will have to work hard to improve on her 2019 World Cup performance where she won the Golden Ball, Golden Boot and The Best FIFA Women’s Player of the Year.
The team includes plenty of youth though with 14 players yet to star at a World Cup – including rising star Sophia Smith.
The 22-year-old striker, is fresh from helping Portland Thorns win the NWSL, also took out the MVP and Championships Game MVP awards this past season. She was also named the US Soccer Female Player of the Year.
Coach Vlatko Andonovski said selecting a World Cup team was never easy.
“I’m proud of the players for their work ethic and focus during the process and of our coaching staff for doing the work to put together the best team possible,” Andonovski said. “It’s the players that make the biggest impact on our environment, they push each other to be better and I know as a group they are extremely motivated to make our country proud at the World Cup.
“Every player has a different journey to get to this point so our roster has some amazing stories and we have a really good mix of veterans and younger players.”
“We are expecting the level of play at this World Cup to be the best it’s ever been, and all the teams must keep up with that growth.
“For years, we’ve been able to see first-hand where the game is going and that’s exciting. We are proud to have been one of the teams leading the way for women’s international soccer and I know the tournament will once again show the world how great these players are across all 32 teams.”
Originally published as FIFA Women’s World Cup: Team USA announce squad with the help of Joe Biden, Taylor Swift and Shaquille O’Neal