The NWSL will pause next weekend for a FIFA international window that will see Jess Fishlock, the all-time leading goal-scorer for Wales, represent her country for the last time on Saturday, October 25. The 38-year-old Reign midfielder announced this week that she will retire from international football after representing Wales for 19 years. Fishlock recently became the oldest goal-scorer at the Women's Euros, helping lead her team to their first major tournament.
Fishlock has scored 48 international goals and will play her 166th and final game for Wales in a friendly against Australia. While she's ready to say goodbye to the challenges of international play and travel, the midfielder told reporters at Seattle Reign's pre-match press conference on Thursday that she is interested in returning to the club in 2026.
Welsh captain and Reign midfielder Angharad James-Turner was also called up to represent Wales alongside Fishlock. In addition to their match against Australia, which will be Fishlock's last, Wales will face Poland on October 28.
Fishlock and James-Turner won't be the only Reign players traveling around the globe during the FIFA break:
- Claudia Dickey, Jordyn Bugg, and Sam Meza were named to the U.S. women's national team roster for matches against Portugal (Oct. 23 and Oct. 26) and New Zealand (Oct. 29).
- Goalkeeper Neeku Purcell, defender Emily Mason, and forwards Maddie Dahlien and Emeri Adames were named to the U.S. U-23 roster that will train alongside the senior national team at the start of the FIFA window and then on their own for four days.
- Jordyn Huitema was named to Canada's roster for matches in Europe against Switzerland (Oct. 24) and the Netherlands (Oct. 28).
- Huitema will face Reign teammate Ana-Maria Crnogorčević, who was called up by Switzerland for their matches against Canada (Oct. 24) and Scotland (Oct. 28).
With this FIFA international window extending into Wednesday for some players, the Reign may have to rotate for their final match of the regular season. They'll be traveling to Orlando to face the Pride on Sunday, November 2. But first, the Reign will host the Utah Royals this Friday, October 17, at Lumen Field. That match kicks off at 7 p.m. PT and will feature a celebration for Lauren Barnes, who announced she's retiring from professional soccer at the end of the season.
