Why is Lindsey Heaps not playing for USWNT vs. Paraguay?

The U.S. women's national team will begin its 2026 schedule without captain Lindsey Heaps .

Heaps was not called in for the USWNT 's friendlies against Paraguay on Saturday, Jan. 24 and against Chile three days later.

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes named an all-NWSL roster for the two matches in California, which aren't on a FIFA date and therefore won't feature any of the team's European-based players.

Heaps is still a member of French power OL Lyonnes for now — though that will be changing soon.

Heaps confirmed earlier this month that she will be joining NWSL expansion side Denver Summit in June when her contract in Lyon expires.

The transfer will see the Golden, Colorado native join her hometown team midway through its inaugural season.

Heaps, 31, is one of the most decorated players in USWNT history, having already won nearly everything there is to win on a team level.

The midfielder's résumé includes league titles in the NWSL and France , a Champions League title, an Olympic gold medal and a World Cup.

Heaps has made 170 appearances for the USWNT, serving as captain since 2023.

She will next have a chance to represent her country in March, when the USWNT faces Argentina, Canada and Colombia in the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Lindsey Heaps not playing for USWNT vs. Paraguay?