Kassouf shared his projected USWNT roster for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Thursday, naming the Bethlehem High School graduate as one of the team’s “Locks.” He wrote that, in his projection, the 20-year-old Bay FC midfielder would start in defensive midfield when the tournament begins in Brazil next summer.
Hutton is one of five midfielders that Kassouf sees as almost certain to make the team, along with Rose Lavelle, Lindsey Heaps, Lily Yohannes, and Jaedyn Shaw. This projection comes as coach Emma Hayes reviews her roster ahead of two friendly matches in Brazil in June and Concacaf qualifying in November.
Hutton’s move to a likely starting spot is directly linked to the absence of Hudson Valley product Sam Coffey. On May 15, Manchester City announced that Coffey, who is from Sleepy Hollow, had surgery and had began rehab. There is no timeline for her return, and she will miss both games against Brazil. Kassouf made it clear that Coffey would be a lock and a starter if she were healthy. With Coffey out, Hutton steps into that role.
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Hutton has been preparing for this moment long before the national team noticed her. She started with the Albany Alleycats and helped lead the Bethlehem girls’ soccer team to a state title before playing one year on the Bethlehem boys’ team. At 17, she signed with the Kansas City Current and helped them win the NWSL Shield in 2025. She then moved to Bay FC this past offseason, where she has contributed to a 3-2-4 record this season.
Hutton made her senior national team debut in February 2025 and has since earned 18 caps. In April, she wore the captain’s armband from the start against Japan, becoming the youngest player to captain the USWNT since 2001, in a 1-0 loss. Earlier this month, Kassouf ranked her as the 14th-best player in the NWSL and wrote that she looked “as confident as ever” after moving west.
In the attack, the projection suggested a possible reunion. Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson were both named as locks. Mallory Swanson, who recently returned from maternity leave with Chicago Stars FC, is on the bubble. She is one healthy run away from reuniting the “Triple Espresso” attacking trio.
The USWNT will play Brazil on June 6 in São Paulo and again on June 9 in Fortaleza. Concacaf Women’s Championship qualifying is in November, marking the first big step toward Brazil 2027.