Before the USWNT's first match against Japan on Saturday, head coach Emma Hayes set the perfect tone by playing Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway's "Back Together Again" for Alyssa and Gisele Thompson. It was a poignant nod to the sisters' reunion on the national stage. Since Alyssa, the elder by 13 months, left their hometown Angel City FC for Chelsea last year, these two talents now only share the field when called up for the red, white, and blue.

The song's chorus—"Cause you, you and I back together again // got the world in a spin"—captured the moment's spirit. While the USWNT's 2-1 victory in San Jose was a hard-fought battle against a formidable Japanese side, it also marked another step in Gisele Thompson's promising journey. At just 20 years old and with eight senior caps, the defender is carving her own path, proving she belongs and building a compelling case for a spot alongside her sister at the 2027 World Cup.

"I mean, how nice is that?" Hayes remarked. "You've got your sister playing in front of you, and they're going to die for each other on the field." This bond is becoming a unique asset for the evolving USWNT.

Gisele's rise has been methodical. After her first senior camp call-up in late 2024, she earned her first cap at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. Coach Hayes has focused on development over headlines, which meant Gisele sometimes trained with the U-23s. However, when veteran defender Tierna Davidson suffered an ACL injury in March 2025, Hayes didn't hesitate to promote Gisele to the senior squad.

Her growth since not playing in a loss to Japan just months prior is a testament to her work ethic and potential. As the USWNT rebuilds, the Thompson sisters represent a powerful blend of familial chemistry and individual talent, offering fans a thrilling glimpse into the team's future.