San Diego Wave FC announced today that defender Naomi Girma and forward Alex Morgan will join the U.S. Women’s National Team for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. It will be Morgan’s fourth FIFA World Cup representing the USA, while Girma earns her first-ever World Cup call-up.
Girma, 23, was the first player drafted in Wave history when she was selected in the 2022 NWSL Draft as the first overall pick. During her rookie season with the Wave, Girma made an immediate impact, while earning 2022 NWSL Rookie and Defender of the Year honors. She’s appeared in 33 regular season matches (33 starts) for the Wave in her club career.
Morgan, a native of San Dimas, Calif., was one of the first players in San Diego Wave history, as the USA star signed with the Wave on Dec. 13, 2021. The forward had a career year in the Wave’s inaugural season, posting 15 goals in regular season, earning her the 2022 NWSL Golden Boot award. Morgan has appeared in 29 matches (28 starts) for the Wave, while recording 22 goals and six assists.
Since making her senior debut with the USA in April 2022, Girma has been a constant feature at national team camps. The Stanford alum has made 15 appearances for her country, including starting in the CONCACAF W-Championship last summer.
Morgan has made herself a U.S. Soccer legend, as she has represented the USA since March 2010 and has become one of the most prolific goal scorers in international history. In 206 appearances, Morgan has scored 121 goals and earned 49 assists. Morgan, 33, has represented the United States on the 2011, 2015 and 2019 FIFA World Cup rosters, while helping earn gold in 2015 and 2019. Of the 23 players named to the roster, Morgan has the most experience in the Women’s World Cup, having played 18 matches while scoring nine goals, six of which came at the 2019 tournament.
The United States was sorted into Group E of the 2023 FIFA World Cup along with Vietnam, Netherlands, and Portugal. USA will kick off group play against Vietnam at 6:00 p.m. PT on Friday, July 21, at Eden Park. The U.S. will then face Netherlands at 6:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 26 at Wellington Regional Stadium, before closing out the group stage against Portugal at 12:00 a.m. PT on Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Eden Park.
United States 2023 FIFA World Cup Group B Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time (PT) |
| July 21 | Vietnam | 6:00 p.m. |
| July 26 | Netherlands | 6:00 p.m. |
| August 1 | Portugal | 12:00 a.m. |
