The U.S. Women’s National Team looked as strong as ever in their opening match of the 2024 Olympic Women’s Soccer Tournament, scoring three goals in the first half to shut out Zambia, 3-0.
Corbin Albert made her Olympic debut in the match, coming on as a substitute for Rose Lavelle just after halftime as the young midfielder, but her growing profile with the U.S. Women’s National Team came with its share of controversy.
Albert made headlines in the lead up to the Olympics for her anti-LGBTQ+ behavior on social media, with teammates reacting to her posts and fans questioning her place on the team, but she still made it to Paris.
Here’s what you need to know about Albert’s digital activism, and what the rest of the USWNT is saying.
2024 Paris Olympics
Full Olympics schedule | How to watch in the US | Here’s where to watch on NBC
Corbyn-Albert debate explained
Albert’s social media activity drew attention in March when it was discovered that she had been reposting anti-LGBTQ content on TikTok, including a sermon from a Christian house of worship in which she spoke about homosexuality and “feeling transgender” and said both were wrong.
Additionally, fans discovered, via a screenshot, one of Corbin’s likes on Instagram, which was a meme that read, “God is working a miracle and making time for Megan Rapinoe to sprain her ankle in the last game of her life.”
Albert, who was wearing the retired forward’s former number 15 jersey at the time, apologized on Instagram for liking and sharing the post after facing criticism from Rapinoe.
“I want to sincerely apologize for my behavior on social media,” Albert posted. “Liking and sharing posts that were offensive, insensitive and hurtful was immature and disrespectful and was never my intention. I am truly disappointed in myself and I am deeply sorry for any hurt I may have caused my teammates, other players, fans, friends and all those I may have offended.”
“I truly believe that everyone should feel safe and respected, anywhere, on any playing field. I know my actions fell short of that and I sincerely apologize. It is an honor and privilege to play this sport on the world stage and I promise to try harder.”
Despite her apology, Albert didn’t receive a very friendly reception when she entered a U.S. women’s national team match prior to the Olympics. On June 1, which happened to be the first day of Pride Month, she was booed when she entered a friendly against South Korea wearing a jersey with a rainbow-themed number.
What the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Have to Say About Corbin Albert
Megan Rapinoe
Responding to Albert’s social media actions, Rapinoe posted to her Instagram Story.
“To those who try to hide behind ‘your beliefs’ I just have one question: are you making every space safer, more inclusive, more whole, just a little better and bringing out the best in everyone,” Rapinoe wrote. “If you’re not, then all you believe in is hate. And kids are literally killing themselves because of this hate. Wake up! Sincerely, #15.”
“To all my fellow transgender people who endure this horrific treatment every day, I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you.”
When The Athletic reached out to Rapinoe, she said the post was directed at Albert, but that she was most concerned about queer lives being put at risk by anti-trans rhetoric and targeted legislation.
Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan
Less than a week after Albert’s reposts and likes surfaced, co-captains Alex Morgan and Lindsey Horan spoke about the situation during a press conference ahead of the U.S. Women’s SheBelieves Cup semifinal match against Japan.
“We have worked extremely hard to maintain the integrity of this national team throughout all generations, and it is extremely disappointing that this standard was not upheld,” Horan said.
“As allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community, we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful space,” Morgan added. “This platform has given us the opportunity to shine a light on issues that are important to us, and this can never be taken for granted.”
Morgan noted that the issue was also being handled internally.
Tierna Davidson
During a July 23 episode of the “Good Game with Sarah Spain” podcast, Tierna Davidson spoke about how Albert’s actions affected the team dynamics, including her perspective as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Given what she was talking about, I think this is obviously a difficult situation that has affected me personally,” Davidson said. “I think it’s something you have to learn as a young player, especially with the platform that you’re given, the way you express your beliefs and certain things is very public and people see and listen.”
“We have to learn from what we do in life and how people react to it and understand the hurt we might cause. I think it’s going to be difficult because as a team we’ve always wanted to be warm and welcoming to every fan, every player that walks into our locker room.”
Davidson acknowledged that Albert is learning how his thoughts and opinions impact others, but added: “Whether it’s from his upbringing or whether it’s something instilled in him from an early age, it can be hurtful to other people, even if he doesn’t fully realize it.”
Read more: Who will win the gold medal in women’s soccer at the 2024 Summer Olympics?
Corbin Albert Age
Albert, 20, was born on Oct. 13, 2003, making her the second-youngest player on the U.S. women’s Olympic roster. The youngest is Jaedyn Shaw, 19.
What team does Corbin Albert play for?
After playing two years for the Notre Dame women’s soccer team, Albert forfeited her remaining two years of NCAA eligibility to turn professional on January 31, 2023. She initially signed with French club Paris Saint-Germain on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Read more: How to watch the U.S. Women’s National Team games at the 2024 Summer Olympics
2024 U.S. Women’s National Team Olympic Schedule
Thursday, July 25
Time (ET)ResultsLocationTV – Streaming3pmUS 3, Zambia 0Allianz Riviera
(Nice, France) USA Network – Fubo, Peacock, NBC app/website
Sunday, July 28
Time (ET)Game LocationTV – Streaming3:00 PM USA vs. GermanyOrange Velodrome
(Marseille, France) USA Network – Fubo, Peacock, NBC app/website
Wednesday, July 31
Time (ET)Game LocationTV – Streaming1:00 PM Australia vs. USAOrange Velodrome
(Marseille, France) N/A – Peacock, NBC app/website
Quarter finals
Date & Time (ET) Match Location Saturday, August 39th AM QF2: Group B 1st vs. Group C 2nd Parc des Princes
(Paris, France) Saturday, August 3, 1:00 AM QF3: 1st place in Group C vs. 3rd place in Group A/B (A/B) Groupama Stadium
(Lyon, France) Saturday, August 31st Afternoon QF4: Group A 2nd place vs. Group B 2nd place Orange Velodrome
(Marseille, France) Saturday, August 8th, 33:00pm QF1: Group A 1st vs. 3rd (B/C) Stade de la Beaujoire
(Nantes, France)
Semi-finals
Date & Time (ET) Match Location Tuesday, August 6th 12pm QF2 Winner vs. QF4 Winner Groupama Stadium
(Lyon, France) Tuesday, August 6th, 3pm Winner of 1st place in the quarterfinals vs. Winner of 3rd place in the quarterfinals Orange Velodrome
(Marseille, France)
Bronze Medal Match
Date & Time (ET)Game LocationFriday, August 9, 9 a.m. Loser, SF1 vs. Loser, SF2Groupama Stadium
(Lyon, France)
Gold Medal Match
Date Time (ET) Match Location Saturday, August 10:11 Winner, SF1 vs. Winner, SF2 Parc des Princes
(Paris, France)
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