The 18-player United States women’s national team roster was revealed on Wednesday and has caused controversy. Korbin Albert’s inclusion on the squad drew criticism from fans and was called out on a podcast with USWNT legend Sam Mewis.
Earlier in 2024 Albert ended up in hot water after it was discovered that the PSG midfielder had reposted anti-LGBTQ+ content on social media and liked a post celebrating the injury that ended Megan Rapinoe’s career.
Since fans discovered the posts on social media Albert has apologized and has been booed at every U.S. game she’s featured in.
Mewis spoke on the decision to send Albert to the Olympics on Wednesday during the podcast “The Women’s Game.” The former USWNT midfielder said the inclusion of Albert was “upsetting” and that Albert’s growth “should be out in the open.”
Sam Mewis Korbin Albert conversation
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes was asked about the controversial decision to include Albert on the roster. She responded saying she hopes the fanbase will forgive the young midfielder.
FULL QUOTE: #USWNT Emma Hayes on Korbin Albert's selection
— Taylor Vincent (@tayvincent6) June 26, 2024
“I want the fans to really embrace Korbin because I do think she’s a tremendous human being,” Hayes said.
Albert’s teammate and star forward Trinity Rodman was asked by Vanity Fair about the situation. Rodman said that the team has Albert’s back.
“She’s on the USWNT and we’re going to be her teammates and support her,” Rodman said. “When she comes on the field, she’s just like everybody else wearing that number and playing for our country, and she’s working her butt off to do so.”
Albert seems to split the U.S. Soccer fanbase with many USWNT fans angered about her being on the Olympic roster with others being upset at the people mad at Albert.
Lynn William, who is an alternate, is the only player on that entire roster who has EXPLICITLY, called out what Korbin Albert did. I need it to be more players, but for this alone I’m glad Lynn will be on the plane. That kind of integrity and leadership is necessary.
— Anna (@gnocchi_fc) June 26, 2024
emma hayes wanting people to embrace korbin albert because she’s had a tough time and has been struggling with the hate. u know who else struggles through a tough time? the LGBT community- the people she does NOT embrace and openly HATES on social media like fuck off it’s weird
— ☁️ (@sosowoso) June 26, 2024
It's a slap in the face to the LGBTQ community that has been a backbone of the @USWNT for decades to continue to allow Korbin Albert to be a part of this team without her publicly reckoning with how her hateful rhetoric not only harms fans but also her very teammates.
— Jessica (@jkmiami89) June 26, 2024
American soccer…we eat our own. ⚽️ https://t.co/FvDOyV2CeZ
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) June 26, 2024
The USWNT’s Olympics campaign will begin on July 25 with the group stage opener vs. Zambia.
