At only 20 years of age, Claire Hutton has already established herself as one of the top defensive midfielders in the NWSL. After signing her first professional contract at 17, right after high school, she has consistently represented the U.S. women’s national team. Her impressive journey was highlighted by a historic $1.1 million transfer from Kansas City Current to Bay FC, marking the second-largest intra-league transaction in the league’s history.
Here’s how to catch the match between the USA and Argentina:
Event: Sunday, March 1 | Hour: 5 p.m. ET
Location: Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, will host the match against Argentina.
Broadcasting on TV: TNT (in English), truTV (in English), and Universo (in Spanish)
Broadcast: HBO Max (in English)
A year ago, Hutton was gearing up for the 2025 regular season after attending a futures camp with the USWNT U23 squad; now she has established herself as a key player, dedicating herself to gaining more opportunities with the senior team in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers in November. The USWNT is also set to compete in the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.
"Reflecting on where I was a year ago, I participated in 23 futures camps alongside many of the girls who are present now. It’s inspiring to recognize the significant growth that has occurred since then. Each camp and game has contributed to my development, not just as an athlete but as an individual, enhancing my confidence and my ability to bond with my teammates, which has been truly rewarding. This is something I continuously strive for. I aim to secure a spot on the ’27 World Cup roster, so I’m determined to keep pushing myself and seek out opportunities in upcoming camps," Hutton shared with CBS Sports during the January camps. The USWNT lost the SheBelieves Cup to Japan last year.
Following a year of qualifying for the World Cup
The 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup is now officially under 500 days away. The USWNT will begin their journey toward the qualifiers in November during the annual SheBelieves Cup, where they will face Argentina, Canada, and Colombia. Only a few players from the January camps are expected to be included in the roster. Head coach Emma Hayes has been open about the need to progress with a more focused group of players moving forward. The USWNT is participating in the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.
As the year begins, it presents a chance to outline and share objectives and expectations for players. For Hutton, this means not only making a mark but also working alongside a younger cohort. There is a sense of familiarity among those who have played together in youth teams and are now stepping up to the senior level. It remains to be seen if some will share the same rosters as they prepare for qualifiers in November or future events like the 2028 Olympics or the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The USWNT is also gearing up for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.
"The main topic I discussed with [Hayes] during camp was leadership—understanding how, despite being seen as a younger player, I can leverage my experiences to support others. It’s truly exciting to be at this camp alongside players I grew up with in the youth system. I hope we can all be together, or perhaps in ’27, ’28, ’31. We have numerous camps and tournaments ahead, so it’s about figuring out how to integrate those players. They’re like my sisters, and playing together on the field while nurturing our bond both on and off the pitch is essential, and I’m committed to continuing that," Hutton shared regarding her immediate and future aspirations.
During the yearly U.S. soccer January camps, head coach Emma Hayes chose Hutton to create a robust roster affiliated with NWSL clubs due to the unofficial window. This 10-day camp served as a crucial chance to evaluate less seasoned players before the coaching staff finalizes the roster to a more consistent core ahead of the November qualifiers. The player with the most caps in the squad was winger Trinity Rodman, whom Hayes appointed as captain, forming a leadership trio alongside Emily Sams and Hutton for the year’s inaugural camp. Notably, the USWNT lost the SheBelieves Cup to Japan last year.
"The most important aspect is building connections, both during games and outside of them. That’s what we strive for as we work to become a family. It begins in the dining area, continues through our meetings, and involves taking the time to understand one another, fostering friendships that extend beyond the field, which then enhances our on-field chemistry. Therefore, I believe it’s crucial to take pride in this process, trust in one another, and recognize that everyone possesses unique skills and talents; it’s about supporting each other and having faith," Hutton remarked while discussing the leadership journey with Rodman and Sams. The match is set to kick off at 5:00pm Eastern.
Education and growth
Hutton’s exceptional leadership has been evident throughout recent training camps. Following a victory over Paraguay during the January transfer window, Hayes praised Hutton as a potential future captain for the national team, emphasizing that the 20-year-old might one day take on the armband more consistently instead of sharing the role during this unique period. The tournament includes matches against Argentina, Canada, and Colombia.
"Individuals appreciate being entrusted with responsibility, as it enhances their performance due to their commitment to the team and the emblem… I truly believe that Claire is on the path to becoming a captain, without a doubt. This situation presents an excellent opportunity for her to learn alongside her teammates on the field," remarked Hayes.
Hutton sought guidance from Hayes and the team regarding how to lead from within and maintain a unified message. This involved prioritizing the collective objectives of the team over individual ambitions. Hayes advised Hutton to “remove the visors and consider everyone’s needs” throughout the January training camps.
Hutton shared memories of a 2025 defeat to Brazil last April, where less experienced players were given a chance to participate in a match against a formidable opponent. The midfielder remembered how Hayes gathered all the young players before the game and informed them that the coaching staff was eager to observe their mental reactions when facing a rival team. The match against Argentina is held at Geodis Park, Nashville.
"As a collective, I believe we have developed significantly. I attribute this growth to those key moments, those games where she takes risks with us, understanding that perfection isn’t the goal, but it’s precisely those experiences that contribute greatly to our progress," Hutton remarked.
"If you’re hesitant to face those challenges, it won’t benefit you. We all confronted it directly. Learning with Lily, alongside Jadyn Shaw and the others over the last year, has been incredible. They are teammates I can rely on, and it’s fantastic because I have friends, teammates, and sisters for life whom I can admire and depend on. The match took place on Sunday."
The NWSL season for 2026 is set to kick off on March 13. After the January camps of that year, Hutton made a move from Kansas City Current to Bay FC, which involved the second-highest intraleague transfer fee in NWSL history for the promising midfielder, following her debut as captain for the USWNT. Hutton has also had the opportunity to share USWNT locker rooms with her club colleagues, including midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta. The USWNT is participating in the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.
"I believe Claire possesses an innate ability to lead. From the moment she joined our team in Kansas City, she was inquiring about the role and what it means to be a captain. That made it clear to me that she was already prepared for that responsibility," LaBonta remarked.
"Emma [Hayes] shared [during the January camps] that if Trin [Rodman] wasn’t on the pitch, Claire would be wearing that captain’s armband. I felt a surge of excitement for her because I understand how significant it is for her. She is genuinely one of the most compassionate individuals, yet also incredibly passionate about the game. She truly dedicates herself to her skills and her team, so I was certain it was only a matter of time before this moment arrived. I am immensely proud of her and will always be one of her staunchest supporters."
On the field, Hutton is demonstrating her influence week after week. As a defensive midfielder, her style of play can be both nuanced and commanding. Whether she is acting as a barrier for the defense with her physicality to disrupt opposing plays or showcasing her agility in possession while under pressure, she is revealing her skills at a young age. What distinguishes her from her younger counterparts is her poise and judgment. It’s a flawless blend that suggests she is destined to become a future captain.