Julie Ertz Alludes to Retirement After Early World Cup Exit

The 31-year-old has over 120 caps in her decade-long career with the USWNT.

Julie Ertz alluded to her international retirement after a heartbreaking loss to Sweden and an early exit from the Women’s World Cup. “It's probably my last game ever having the honor to be able to wear this crest,” Ertz told Fox’s Jenny Taft following the round-of-16 defeat.

The 31-year-old has competed in three World Cup tournaments for the U.S., winning two trophies for the Stars and Stripes.“It's an honor to represent this team and I’m excited for the future of the girls,” Ertz said.

Ertz played in all four of the USWNT’s 2023 World Cup matchups, slotting in next to Naomi Girma at the center back position—filling the void left by former captain Becky Sauerbrunn, who missed the trip Down Under due to injury. The Angel City star worked her way back into coach Vlatko Andonovski’s starting lineup after a nearly 20-month absence following the Tokyo Olympics, welcoming her first child with husband Zach Ertz in August 2022.

With over 120 caps, 20 goals and six assists, Ertz is one of the most experienced players on Andonovski’s 2023 World Cup roster. Her first cap came in 2013, marking a decades-long career representing the U.S. Should this end up being Ertz’s last USWNT outing, she will likely be considered one of the best defensive midfielders to ever don the crest.

“It’s been an absolute ride," Ertz said. "I’ve learned so much about myself, as a player, but even just as a person."