Lindsey Horan, Alex Morgan named U.S. World Cup captains

Midfielder Lindsey Horan and forward Alex Morgan were named captains of the U.S. women's national team Friday for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup.

"We have a lot of leaders on this team among the young players and the veteran players, and among those, Lindsey and Alex have vast experience in big games, and they understand what it takes to win at the highest levels," USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski said. "They are ultimate professionals and understand all the factors that go into having a united and motivated team. I know they will represent us well on and off the field at the World Cup."

Horan, 29, will wear the armband when she and Morgan, 34, are on the field at the same time.

Both were members of the 2019 World Cup-winning squad. Morgan also competed in the 2011 and 2015 tournaments.

Former captain Becky Sauerbrunn will miss the July 20-Aug. 20 tournament in Australia and New Zealand with a foot injury.

The U.S. will face Wales this Sunday in a final tune-up in San Jose, Calif.

The two-time defending champion Americans begin Group E play at the World Cup against Vietnam on July 21 in Auckland, New Zealand. Portugal and the Netherlands are also in the group.