By OkayGoal 
The National Soccer Hall of Fame class of 2027 is already generating significant discussion following the release of the official list of eligible candidates. This year’s ballot is particularly noteworthy because it features several iconic UWNST players making their first appearance, alongside several accomplished returning candidates who narrowly missed induction in previous years. With Hall of Fame voting limited to a select number of players, the 2027 event promises to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Among the first-year eligible players, three names immediately stand out. Julie Ertz, Megan Rapinoe, and Ali Krieger each enjoyed remarkable careers that included World Cup titles, major individual honors, and sustained excellence at both the club and international levels. Their achievements make them the leading storylines heading into the 2027 Hall of Fame voting, although several returning candidates also possess Hall of Fame-worthy resumes.
Megan Rapinoe
Few players have influenced American soccer as profoundly as Megan Rapinoe. During an international career spanning nearly two decades, she established herself as one of the greatest attackers in USWNT history while becoming one of the sport’s most recognizable figures worldwide.
Rapinoe finished her international career with 203 appearances, 63 goals, and 73 assists. She helped the United States win the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019, captured Olympic gold in 2012, and added an Olympic bronze medal at the Tokyo Games. Her ability to deliver in the biggest moments became one of her trademarks, particularly during the 2029 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Back then, she won both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball after leading the USWNT to another world title. She later completed one of the most successful individual years in women’s soccer by winning both The Best FIFA Women’s Player award and the Ballon d’Or Féminin.
At club level, Rapinoe enjoyed an outstanding NWSL career with Seattle Reign FC (OL Reign), where she became one of the league’s most recognizable stars. She also spent time playing professionally in France and Australia, further strengthening an already exceptional resume. While Hall of Fame voting is based primarily on playing accomplishments, Rapinoe’s influence extended well beyond the pitch. She helped elevate the visibility and popularity of women’s soccer throughout her career.
Given both her individual accolades and her role in one of the greatest eras in USWNT history, Rapinoe appears to be one of the strongest candidates for first ballot induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Julie Ertz
Julie Ertz enters the ballot with one of the most unique resumes of any player in recent memory. Few footballers have successfully transitioned from world-class central defender to world-class defensive midfielder while remaining among the best players in the world at both positions.
Ertz earned 123 caps for the United States and scored 20 intentional goals despite playing primarily in defensive roles. She helped the USWNT win consecutive FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2019 before adding an Olympic bronze medal in Tokyo. Throughout her career, she consistently excelled against the world’s strongest opponents, combining physicality, tactical intelligence, and exceptional versatility. Her performances earned her the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award twice, in 2017 and 2019.
Her club career was equally impressive. Ertz spent the majority of her professional career with the Chicago Red Stars, where she became one of the NWSL’s premier defenders before later returning to the league with Angel City FC following maternity leave. Whether playing in defense or midfield, she consistently ranked among the best players in the NWSL and on the international stage.
One of Ertz’s greatest strengths was her ability to perform under pressure. She frequently dominated midfield battles, protected the back line, and contributed important goals from set pieces. Those qualities made her indispensable for both club and country and should make her one of the leading candidates for first-ballot election in 2027.
Ali Krieger
Ali Krieger rounds out the trio of headline first-year eligible candidates after a career defined by consistency, resilience, and leadership. Although she often shared the spotlight with high-profile teammates, Krieger quietly established herself as one of the most dependable defenders in American soccer.
She earned 108 caps for the United States and played an important role in two FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning squads in 2015 and 2019. Injuries interrupted portions of her international career, but each time she returned, she demonstrated the same composure and defensive reliability that had earned the trust of multiple USWNT coaches.
Krieger also built an outstanding club career on both sides of the Atlantic. She won the UEFA Women’s Champions League with 1. FFC Frankfurt before becoming one of the NWSL’s most respected defenders with the Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, and Gotham FC. Her professional career ended on a fitting note when she captained Gotham to the 2023 NWSL Championship before retiring.
Her combination of European success, NWSL achievements, and international accomplishments gives her an exceptionally strong Hall of Fame case. While the competition on the ballot is fierce, Krieger has every credential expected of a National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee.
Sam Mewis
Among the returning candidates, Sam Mewis has one of the strongest cases for eventual induction. Although injuries shortened what could have been an even more decorated career, Mewis established herself as one of the world’s best midfielders during her peak and played a vital role in one of the most successful eras in USWNT history.
Mewis earned 83 caps for the United States, scoring 24 goals while helping the team win the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and a bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics. She was named the 2020 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year after a remarkable season in which she consistently dominated matches with her passing range, physical presence, and ability to contribute in both penalty areas. Her combination of technical quality and athleticism made her one of the most complete midfielders in international football.
At club level, Mewis won the inaugural NWSL Championship with the Western New York Flash before later becoming a cornerstone of the North Carolina Courage dynasty that captured multiple NWSL Shields and league championships. While she faces strong competition on the 2027 ballot, her achievements make her one of the leading returning candidates.
Amy Rodriguez
Amy Rodriguez also remains a compelling candidate thanks to an outstanding career that spanned more than a decade with both the USWNT and several professional clubs.
Rodriguez earned 132 international caps and scored 30 goals for the United States. She was part of the squads that won Olympic gold in 2008 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015, while also competing at the 2011 Women’s World Cup and the 2012 Olympic Games. Her pace, movement, and relentless work rate made her a valuable option throughout her international career.
Her club resume is equally impressive. Rodriguez played in Women’s Professional Soccer before becoming one of the NWSL’s top forwards with FC Kansas City, helping the club win back-to-back NWSL championships in 2014 and 2015. She later represented the Utah Royals, North Carolina Courage, and Kansas City Current before transitioning into coaching. Her longevity and success at both the international and club levels continue to make her a strong Hall of Fame candidate.
What Could Shape the 2027 Vote?
Although Julie Ertz, Megan Rapinoe, and Ali Krieger appear to be the headline names on the women’s ballot, election to the National Soccer Hall of Fame is never automatic. Voters evaluate each candidate’s playing career, achievements, and overall contribution to soccer in the United States before selecting a limited number of inductees each year.
Rapinoe’s resume is arguably unmatched among this year’s first-year eligible players. Two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal, the 2019 Ballon d’Or Féminin, The Best FIFA Women’s Player award, and more than 200 appearances for the USWNT make her one of the strongest first-ballot candidates in recent Hall of Fame history.
Julie Ertz is similarly difficult to overlook. Winning two World Cups while excelling as both a central defender and defensive midfielder, along with two U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year awards, gives her a resume that compares favorably with many current Hall of Fame members.
Ali Krieger also possesses an outstanding case thanks to her two World Cup titles, UEFA Women’s Champions League success with Frankfurt, and decorated NWSL career that concluded with Gotham FC’s championship in 2023. Meanwhile, returning candidates such as Mewis and Rodriguez have resumes worthy of serious consideration, ensuring that the women’s ballot remains one of the deepest in recent memory.
Several Strong Candidates
The National Soccer Hall of Fame’s 2027 player ballot highlights a remarkable generation of American soccer talent. Julie Ertz, Megan Rapinoe, and Ali Krieger headline the class as first-year eligible candidates whose careers helped define one of the most successful periods in USWNT history. Their accomplishments at both the club and international levels make each a strong candidate for induction.
At the same time, returning candidates Sam Mewis and Amy Rodriguez ensure that the voting process will be highly competitive. Both built distinguished careers that include major international trophies, professional success, and lasting contributions to the growth of women’s soccer in the United States.
When the Hall of Fame class is officially announced, the final selections will reflect not only individual excellence but also the extraordinary depth of talent that has shaped American soccer over the past two decades.
Featured image via @julieertz