USWNT announces surprise return of Julie Ertz.

After a 19-month absence from the United States women’s national team, Julie Ertz is back in the fold. U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski named the two-time World Cup winner and new mom in his 26-player training camp roster ahead of the final World Cup roster announcement. Ertz has not played for the national team since the Tokyo Olympics in 2023 and her return comes as a surprise, as Andonovski previously stated that time was running out for her to return, and she had not committed to a National Women’s Soccer League team. Ertz gave birth to a baby boy in August, and she has been a free agent for the NWSL. However, Andonovski said she is currently in negotiations with teams and that news would be revealed soon. Ertz’s absence created a gap in the midfield, and Andonovski tried out several players in that position, but they could not match Ertz’s impact. Andonovski admitted he is pleased with the current team’s progress, with Andi Sullivan deputizing in the absent Ertz’s position. Ertz is set to play in the upcoming matches against Ireland, but she must prove herself before she can hope to regain her starting role. The World Cup will take place from 20 July to 20 August, with games played in 10 stadiums across Australia and New Zealand.

Source