Veteran forward Alex Morgan, a three-time Olympian and two-time Women's World Cup winner, has been left off the U.S. Olympic roster for the first time since 2008 by new head coach Emma Hayes. Hayes emphasized the shift towards a younger and more versatile squad, prioritizing future development and versatility. Morgan, who recently returned from an ankle injury, expressed her disappointment on social media but pledged to support the team. The 18-player roster includes several first-time Olympians and is the youngest since 2008. Hayes acknowledged Morgan's contributions but noted the tough decision due to the smaller roster size and the need for new directions.