Taylor Swift, Jalen Hurts and Quinta Brunson help unveil the USWNT’s World Cup roster
Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Jalen Hurts, Quinta Brunson, Tina Fey, and Taylor Swift were among the celebrities who helped introduce the 23 players who will play for the U.S. in New Zealand this summer.
Though the U.S. women’s World Cup team doesn’t have any players from the Philadelphia area on it, the team’s roster announcement video has a lot of Philly flavor.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, “Abbott Elementary” star Quinta Brunson, “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” alum Tina Fey, and music star Taylor Swift took part in introducing the 23 players who will head to New Zealand next month.
“For nearly 40 years, the U.S. women’s national soccer team has epitomized 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.”
Jill Biden added: “Joe and I can’t wait to watch this team soar at the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup. Now we’re so excited to help unveil the 23 players who will represent the USA in Australia and New Zealand.”
» READ MORE: The USWNT World Cup team brims with youth, charisma, and new stars in the making
Who ranks as the most famous person from the group depends on your taste, though for a lot of women’s soccer fans Swift goes to the top. Many U.S. players are Swifties too, including superstar forward Alex Morgan — whom Swift knows well.
“It is my honor to announce to you number 13, Alex Morgan, someone who I consider a friend, someone I’m a massive fan of,” said Swift, who has hosted U.S. players at her concerts over the years. “I’m such a huge fan of the whole team, and I can’t wait to watch you guys play this year. Congratulations, you guys, and I will be watching.”
Morgan admitted she was surprised by Swift’s shoutout, but thrilled.
“I think they nailed it with Taylor announcing me,” Morgan said. “I was very happy about that, and she had some really nice things to say. And I feel like we’ve supported each other a lot. So it was really great to see that.”
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Fey introduced a fellow University of Virginia alum, versatile defender Emily Sonnett.
“I am so excited to cheer you on this summer — go ‘Hoos, go U-V-A,” Fey exclaimed.
Brunson introduced Naomi Girma, a 23-year-old centerback who is a leader of the Americans’ new era of young stars.
“School is out for this summer, which means all eyes will be on the U.S. women’s national team this summer at the World Cup,” Brunson said. “I am so excited to cheer them on, but I’m especially thrilled to announce that Naomi Girma is headed down under. Congratulations on your very first World Cup roster, Naomi, that is so huge.”
Hurts introduced another young rising star, Ashley Sanchez, whose role as a midfield playmaker resembles a quarterback — especially one as dynamic as the Eagles star.
“What’s going on, Ashley? I just wanted to congratulate you on making the U.S. World Cup roster,” Hurts said. “I know you’ve worked really hard to get there, so go show out and good luck.”
» READ MORE: Naomi Girma is a name to know for the U.S. women’s soccer team’s future, and its present
Here’s the full list of the celebrities who introduced each player on the team, in order of their appearances on the video.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden: Introduction
Issa Rae: Alana Cook
Mariska Hargitay: Rose Lavelle
Taylor Swift: Alex Morgan
Shaquille O’Neal: Trinity Rodman
Megan Thee Stallion: Megan Rapinoe
Tina Fey: Emily Sonnett
Rainn Wilson: Andi Sullivan
Blake Lively: Lindsey Horan
Lamorne Morris: Aubrey Kingsbury
Mikaela Shiffrin: Sophia Smith
Amy Rodriguez: Savannah DeMelo
Gabrielle Union: Alyssa Thompson
Matt Turner: Julie Ertz
Sophia Bush: Sofia Huerta
Kelly Slater: Kelley O’Hara
Breanna Stewart: Alyssa Naeher
Tim Howard: Casey Murphy
Quinta Brunson: Naomi Girma
Mia Hamm: Emily Fox
John Cena: Lynn Williams
Jalen Hurts: Ashley Sanchez
Brooke Baldwin: Kristie Mewis
Lil Wayne: Crystal Dunn