Hayes Hopes Catarina Macario Returns for U.S. in January Ahead of 2027 World Cup

National Team in a Critical Phase

The U. S. Women’s National Team is in a crucial period of preparation for the upcoming World Cup, and head coach Emma Hayes is concentrating on the return of Catarina Macario. Hayes has indicated that having the forward in the January training camp is a realistic goal, though the recovery process remains complex and delicate. This development could be essential for Macario to earn a place in the squad that will compete in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, a country where the star was born.

Medical Uncertainty

Macario’s medical situation has caused ongoing uncertainty over the past months. Her last official appearance in a competitive match, whether club or national, was in December, when she suffered an injury that halted her playing rhythm. Since then, she has been absent from the pitch, leaving teammates and coaching staff to manage tactical challenges without one of their most valuable offensive weapons. Meanwhile, her club, San Diego Wave of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), announced in September that she would be listed as injured for the remainder of the season. This decision was confirmed by weekly availability reports showing Macario marked as unavailable each week due to a heel condition.

Record Transfer to San Diego

Macario’s move to San Diego was a spectacular moment, marking a turning point in her career. In March, after leaving Chelsea for $300,000, she signed a contract that set a new record for the North American league. The deal included a cumulative guarantee of about $8 million, reflecting the club’s high confidence in her potential. However, while the financial terms were remarkable, the club did not provide a clear forecast for when the star would return to action. Complications arose quickly: upon moving to California, Macario was already battling an Achilles tendon issue. Resolving this first problem triggered a domino effect, as her knee began to hurt intensely, forcing her to manage the multiple consequences of simultaneous injuries.

Recent Surgery and Social Media Update

Earlier this year, Macario underwent a minor surgical procedure to treat a persistent knee issue. A club spokesperson previously told ESPN that this operation would keep her out for the rest of the season. On Instagram early in the month, Macario posted a photo of herself supported by a brace, with her knee bandaged. In the caption, she mentioned that the surgery had taken place „a few months ago” and expressed frustration at finding herself in such a situation again, acknowledging she would never have chosen it but emphasizing that she has learned valuable lessons even from unpleasant moments in her career.

January Camp Significance

The perspective on the January camp is crucial for the team’s balance. ESPN reports that the U. S. squad will hold a training camp and play a friendly match in January, even though this period does not fall within a FIFA window. For Emma Hayes, the possibility of having Macario available is not just hope but a strategic necessity. The coach explained to the press that, while she wants the forward to be available as soon as possible, the fundamental question is „at what cost?” Recovery is not only a physical issue but also involves tolerance to effort, with the player already on the pitch and training, indicating positive progress that must be monitored closely.

Macario’s Successful Career

Catarina Macario’s career has been marked by notable successes before recent problems. When healthy, she was a constant contender for the starting central defender role. Her last concrete contribution to the national team was at the end of 2025, when she scored three goals in two separate victories against Italy. At the collegiate level, she was a dominant figure at Stanford, winning the MAC Hermann Trophy twice, the award for the best female college soccer player. She left campus early to become a professional at OL Lyon, where she made her career debut.

Integration into the U. S. Team

Her integration into the American team was swift after obtaining U. S. citizenship in 2020. Her family moved to the U. S. when she was 12, facilitating her adaptation and athletic development. However, the road to World Cup glory was interrupted by recurring knee injuries, which caused her to miss the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics, two major events she missed for medical reasons. Recently, Emma Hayes publicly addressed injuries, mentioning not only Macario but also defender Emily Sonnett and midfielder Olivia Moultrie, highlighting the breadth of health issues in the current national squad. All these factors converge toward a single goal: optimal preparation for the 2027 tournament, where Macario’s experience and talent could be decisive for U. S. success.