2026 SheBelieves Cup: Lindsey Heaps shows her importance for the U.S. women’s national team

Lindsey Heaps is coming into her own as captain of the U.S. women’s national team, stepping up to lead the next generation of stars. In their 2-0 win over Argentina on Sunday (1 March), the midfielder played a key role in her team's victory, scoring the opening goal before assisting the second

Heaps has been a stalwart in the side since Emma Hayes took the reins. She has been entrusted with the captain's armband by the English football coach and now, more than ever, is repaying that faith. Aside from goal involvements, she is leading by example for a side that has undergone significant change in the last two years.

On an evening where tensions were high, the captain kept a cool head. In a post-match interview, Heaps discussed the importance of managing emotions in Sunday's game.

“In those types of games, I think... they want to make it more chippy or get in your head," she said.

“The younger Lindsey could have been more affected by that [but] I want to protect my players. Some of the challenges I didn’t like, I don’t think that is necessary in a tournament like this."

2026 SheBelieves Cup: U.S. open with convincing win over Argentina

In a starting line-up that boasts just 99 caps between them - excluding Heaps and her tally of 170 - keeping a cool head is invaluable, even in friendly encounters. Heaps' attitude earned her the plaudits of goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, who was between the sticks for their shutout performance.

“I think Lindsey led the team really well in terms of staying level-headed and just believing in the game plan and in each other,” she said.

The 31-year-old Heaps has become a reference point for a squad in the process of finding its collective rhythm. With plenty of change over the last two years, as Hayes aims to evolve the team, the importance of having a constant to look to cannot be understated.

She has quietly become one of the USA’s most consistent performers, someone Hayes can rely on to deliver no matter the opposition. More importantly, on a night when the USWNT struggled to make the most of their opportunities, Heaps proved to be the difference maker.

All in all, it was a performance that underlined why Heaps is still a key player for the national team. As it continues to undergo change, she embodies what it means to be the captain and to guide her teammates through this transitional period.

Heaps and the USWNT will be back in action Wednesday (4 March), where they face rivals Canada.

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