How to watch NWSL's international players compete in major continental tournaments this summer
But it's not the only continental tournament this summer where the international players of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) will be working through the league's summer break.
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The Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) takes place in Morocco, which hosted the 2022 tournament, and kicked off on July 5 with three goals from three NWSL players already. The continental competition will feature eight NWSL players representing three different countries: Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia. Ghana return to the tournament for the first time since 2018, Nigeria are on their self-proclaimed 'Mission X' as they compete for their 10th WAFCON title, and fast-rising Zambia will surely look to build on their third-place finish last time around.
On July 3, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced it had doubled the prize money for the winning WAFCON team from $500,000 to $1 million and increased the total prize money by 45 percent.
In Ecuador, Copa América Femenina starts on July 12 and features 11 NWSL players representing three countries: Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela. Brazil are both reigning and leading champions with eight continental titles under their belt and the highest player representation in the NWSL with five. 2022 runners-up Colombia are expected to pose a threat, while Venezuela continue to ascend.
The South American tournament will serve as a good barometer for federations ahead of the continent's first Women's World Cup in Brazil in 2027.
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Following the 2023 Women's World Cup, the league increased the number of international roster slots available for clubs, as a necessary way to keep up with rising leagues elsewhere.
UEFA European Championship
Eighteen NWSL players are enjoying a European summer, with 11 of 16 nations in the Euros using talent from the American league. That's triple the NWSL players who competed in the tournament in 2022.
France, England and Wales closed out the first set of games in the Euros on Saturday – collectively, they roster seven players from the NWSL. The tournament is airing on Fox's FS1, FS2 and main channel.
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Wales: Jess Fishlock (Seattle Reign); Angharad James-Turner (Seattle Reign); Lily Woodham (Seattle Reign)
England: Jess Carter (Gotham FC); Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit); Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)
Germany: Kathrin Hendrich (Chicago Stars); Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)
Denmark: Josefine Hasbo (Gotham FC); Isabella Bryld Obaze (Portland Thorns); Janni Thomsen (Utah Royals)
Finland: Natalia Kuikka (Chicago Stars)
Spain: Esther González (Gotham FC)
Iceland: Sveindís Jane Jónsdóttir (Angel City FC)
France: Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Wave)
Sweden: Hanna Lundkvist (San Diego Wave)
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Switzerland: Ana-Maria Crnogorčević (Seattle Reign)
Italy: Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit)
Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Those who have watched the NWSL in recent years will not be surprised to hear that Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, and Asisat Oshoala have all scored just two days into this year's Women's AFCON. BeIN Sport is the primary broadcast partner in the U.S. for the tournament.
GHANA
Princess Marfo, Forward, Bay FC
Marfo is still working her way into her club's rotation. For Ghana, new head coach and former Racing Louisville manager Kim Björkegren has made Marfo, a bold and speedy dribbler, part of the squad's growth. She has been called in to national team camp in each international window this year, starting for the Black Queens in a friendly against Morocco in February, which ended in a 1-0 loss, and played against Malawi on June 21, where she recorded an assist in their 3-1 victory. If Ghana need a set of fresh legs and ambition, Marfo seems up for the task.
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Stella Nyamekye, Midfielder, Gotham FC
The 19-year-old has already shown glimmers of potential at Gotham, even though she's only played 24 minutes across two matches. Her presence on Ghana's senior side is a natural progression from her performances with the youth national team. She was captain of the under-20 national team when they competed in the 2022 U-20 World Cup, starting each of the team's group stage matches. Nyamekye scored two goals and recorded one assist in that tournament and earned her first senior call-up in 2023.
NIGERIA
Asisat Oshoala, Forward, Bay FC
With six African Women's Football of the Year awards, she is the most decorated and arguably most high-profile player in this tournament, but her club performances have not matched those standards since joining Bay from Barcelona 18 months ago. For Nigeria, her opening goal against Tunisia on Sunday and equalizer against Australia at the 2023 World Cup prove how the 30-year-old two-time UEFA Champions League winner shows up in big moments.
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Michelle Alozie, Defender, Houston Dash
Alozie serves different roles for club and country. The 28-year-old California native is a forward for the Dash; with the Super Falcons, she's a full-back. Alozie played every minute at the 2023 World Cup and notably drew a red card out of England national team forward Lauren James in the group stage. The Super Falcons have been keen to maximise Alozie's skills on both sides of the ball. She will be expected to manage attacking threats and contribute to Nigeria by driving forward and delivering crosses.
ZAMBIA
Racheal Kundananji, Forward, Bay FC
Few players can top Kundananji's work rate. Her tenacity is contagious at Bay FC, even though it doesn't always translate to goals; the 25-year-old scored five last season and one so far this year, along with four and two assists, respectively. However, the Copper Queens forward is more prolific when she pulls on her national shirt, having netted a goal in the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, another against Germany in their stunning 3-2 upset just before the 2023 World Cup and one of Zambia's three against Costa Rica in their final group stage game of the World Cup. She scored again in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Morocco. The real question is whether she'll pull off another viral move like this…
Barbra Banda, Forward, Orlando Pride
A singular talent, whether Banda is combining with Marta for the Pride or leading the Copper Queens, her only gear is explosive. Combined with her preternaturally high football IQ, she can discern when to pursue a goal and when to draw defenders toward her to open up one of her teammates. She added another goal to her long list on Saturday. She scored her first hat-trick against the Netherlands at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and a second against China right after that, making her the first female soccer player to score back-to-back trebles at the Olympics. Like Kundananji, Banda also contributed to Zambia's 3-2 win over Germany in 2023 with two goals, including the late winner. It just feels natural to expect magic from the 2024 NWSL Championship MVP.
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Grace Chanda, Midfielder, Orlando Pride
While a nagging injury has kept Chanda from reaching her full potential with the reigning league champions, Pride, she is no less vital to the Copper Queens. Like Kundananji, Chanda joined the NWSL from Madrid CFF, where she scored four goals in 30 appearances across two seasons, and she's proven even more impactful for Zambia. The 28-year-old played in the 2018 and 2022 Cup of Nations, and was her nation's top scorer as they earned qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics. When healthy, she can be a game-changer.
Prisca Chilufya, Forward, Orlando Pride
Chilufya was narrowly edged out of a spot on the 2023 World Cup, instead serving as an alternate. But if the glimpses of her impact with the Pride are any indication — she's played in 11 matches so far and scored once in her first season — she has more to offer. She earned a start for the Copper Queens in their 1-1 draw with Zambia on May 31, the first camp this calendar year that Chilufya attended. With some time to cook, she can be a spark off the bench, especially if she combines with club teammates Banda and Chanda.
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Three Nigerian NWSL players — Gift Monday (Washington Spirit), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville), and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (San Diego Wave) — did not make the Super Falcons WAFCON roster. Monday has been in top form for her club, scoring four goals. Kanu was part of Nigeria's 2023 World Cup roster and 2024 Summer Olympics roster. Okwuchukwu, 19, is yet to make her senior national team debut.
Copa América Femenina
The South American tournament will take place in Ecuador and is available in the U.S. on ViX
BRAZIL
Gabi Portilho, Forward, Gotham FC
The 2024 Ballon d'Or finalist has become a Brazil regular after leading the team to an Olympic silver medal last year. She scored the winner against France in the quarterfinals and contributed a goal and assist in their 4-2 win semifinal over World Cup winners Spain. She left Corinthians as one of the best forwards in the league, winning a Bola de Prata ('silver ball', awarded to the best players in each position) in 2024. She arrived at Gotham with big shoes to fill and quickly became a regular for Juan Carlos Amorós, until a nagging hip injury kept her sidelined in April. If healthy, Portilho is sure to be a contributor to defending Brazil's 2022 Copa crown.
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Lorena, Goalkeeper, Kansas City Current
Lorena is one of the world's best goalkeepers. Her performance against France in the Olympics quarterfinal, including a 16th-minute penalty save to deny Sakina Karchaoui, will go down in Brazilian football lore. She won Copa América with the team in 2022 and while she missed the 2023 World Cup due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury, Lorena has thrived with Kansas City since arriving this year from Brazilian club Grêmio. The 28-year-old played every minute of the season with the Current, and is entering Copa in top form.
Ary Borges, Midfielder, Racing Louisville
The 25-year-old has been labeled as one of Brazil's rising stars, scoring the first hat-trick of the 2023 World Cup during Brazil's 4-0 group-stage win against Panama. A central midfielder for Brazil who can also play out wide, Borges' versatility is a clear draw for any coach — so long as she keeps her cool. In April, she was handed a three-match ban by the NWSL for pushing a referee after receiving a red card.
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Angelina, Midfielder, Orlando Pride
American-born Angelina is a vital member of the Pride's midfield. The 25-year-old captained Brazil in the Paris Olympics and was a key figure in helping Orlando win the 2024 NWSL Championship, delivering the game-winning assist that day. Like Borges, Angelina is versatile, with head coach Arthur Elias recently shifting her between central and left-wing roles during a pair of friendlies with Japan. Angelina will return to the Copa stage with an added sense of vengeance, after her time in the 2022 final was cut short by an ACL injury.
Marta, Forward, Orlando Pride
Marta's unretirement should have come as no surprise given her recent performances. The 39-year-old seems to have found the secret to reverse aging, at times outlasting players several years her junior. She's a true No. 10, with the technical ability, shooting prowess and drive to get past any defender, able to both command the center of the pitch or drive the team's attack up top. She's as powerful a starter as she is coming off the bench. We've seen this national team fight for Marta, and we're sure to see this again as they aim for a record fifth consecutive title.
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VENEZUELA
Barbara Olivieri, Forward, Houston Dash
Another American-born talent, Olivieri hails from Katy, Texas, and is a product of Texas A&M. The 23-year-old was named SEC freshman of the year, but cut her college career short to pursue a professional career in Mexico. She joined Liga MX Femenil giant Monterrey in 2022, before leaving for Houston after one season with the . Her career with Venezuela began in the youth ranks, making her senior debut in 2021 while still in college. She can play up top or on the wings. New head coach Ricardo Belli has taken advantage of Olivieri's versatility in recent friendlies, as he searches for his team's identity.
Deyna Castellanos, Forward, Portland Thorns
Another NCAA product, Castellanos spent three years with the Florida State Seminoles before going pro abroad. She bypassed the 2020 NWSL College Draft and instead signed with Spanish side Atlético Madrid. She scored 26 goals and contributed 12 assists across 71 games, including the winner in the Supercopa, Atlético's first major trophy in five years. The 26-year-old's club experience includes a brief stint with Manchester City, before returning to the U.S. when Portland signed her as a free agent in January. She won the Golden Boot at the 2014 U-17 World Cup before featuring for the senior side in Copa América in 2018, with Belli entrusting her with the role of a center forward in a recent pair of friendlies against New Zealand. Now captain, she will play a key role.
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COLOMBIA
Ángela Barón, Defender, Racing Louisville
The 21-year-old American-born defender has been a consistent presence for Las Cafeteras. After one season at the University of Arizona, Baron joined Colombian side Atletico Nacional in 2023, helping them qualify for the Copa Libertadores that year. She has represented Colombia across six major tournaments at both youth and senior levels. She was with the senior team at the 2023 World Cup and Paris Games, as part of the young team's meteoric rise. She has yet to feature in the NWSL this year, and last year made one appearance off the bench as a center back. She was key to Colombia against Mexico on July 2, helping anchor the backline as a center back in their final friendly before the tournament.
Daniela Arias, Defender, San Diego Wave
Arias will play a major role in Colombia's push to win their first Copa América title, with her defensive instincts and international experience. The 30-year-old was part of Colombia's Copa team in 2018 and 2022, a valuable asset within a roster full of young talent. She joined San Diego in March, after a successful year with Corinthians in Brazil's top-flight. Named Defender of the Year in the Brasileirão after winning the national championship, the Copa Libertadores and Supercopa do Brasil in one year. As a center back, Arias can control the pitch and direct the vision of play with strength that holds the backline together.
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Leicy Santos, Washington Spirit midfielder
The 29-year-old fan favorite has become a mainstay of Colombian women's soccer, playing at two World Cups and two Olympics. Her two goals during the Olympics helped her side reach the quarterfinals, and her opening goal against England in the World Cup quarterfinals was a masterclass in creating an opening between defensive pressure in one's attacking third. She can control the midfield and create opportunities when it counts. Santos, however, has had her minutes managed in recent months as she battles an ankle injury. She last featured for the Spirit in April and has appeared off the bench in recent Colombia matches.
Ana María Guzmán, Utah Royals defender (on loan, Bayern Munich)
At 20 years old, Guzmán represents the next generation alongside players like Linda Caicedo. Guzmán joined Bayern Munich as part of a wave of young Colombian stars who moved to Europe following the 2023 World Cup. At 18 years old, she debuted in the tournament during the round of 16. While she is still developing, Guzman is the type of player head coach Ángelo Marsiglia can call on in a moment's notice, just as he did in Colombia's World Cup quarterfinal against England following an injury to Carolina Arias. She joined Utah on loan from Bayern for the 2025 season, making five appearances and one start with Utah. Guzmán's rise has been steady, with her first call-up to the senior side at 16 years old.
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NWSL action resumes next month
The NWSL returns on Aug. 1. This will be a tight turn from the conclusion of the Euros (July 27 final) and AFCON (July 26 final) and overlaps with Copa America (Aug. 2). The league's CBA gives players a minimum of 38 days of vacation annually, so long as it's approved by the league and/or a player's club.
It's not unheard of, though, for players to transition quickly from an international competition back to their club seasons. It's why USWNT head coach Emma Hayes gave European players the summer off. In 2023, when Esther González signed with Gotham, the forward told she was quickly thrust from World Cup celebrations in Spain to requesting a U.S. visa the following day.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
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Portland Thorns, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, North Carolina Courage, OL Reign, Orlando Pride, Gotham FC, Kansas City Current, Washington Spirit, Angel City, Racing Louisville FC, San Diego Wave, Utah Royals FC, Bay FC, NWSL, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros
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