HERRIMAN, Utah (Thursday, April 2, 2026) - Utah Royals FC announced today that seven of its players have been called up to represent their countries on their respective national teams for the April FIFA International Window, running from April 7 through April 18, 2026. The Royals will be represented by Japan, Slovenia, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica and Denmark.
Mina Tanaka and Miyabi Moriya - Japan
Striker Mina Tanaka has received a call up to Japan for the second consecutive FIFA window of 2026. Previously competing in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia where Japan took home the first place trophy, beating host side Australia 1-0 on Saturday March 21. Tanaka has continued to be a fixture on the Japan Women’s National Team earning countless call ups and over 90 caps and 40 goals with the squad. Her skill and scoring power was on full display Wednesday March 25 when she logged her first minutes of the 2026 NWSL season in the 1-1 draw against the Washington Spirit. Tanaka made her presence known immediately, subbing in in the second half and scoring URFC’s lone goal of the match just twenty minutes later, helping to secure an important point for the club.
Fellow Japanese defender, Miyabi Moriya, will join her URFC teammate for the upcoming April FIFA window, earning her second call-up of 2026, also competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup earlier this month and continuing to establish herself as a dependable presence on the international stage. Known for her composure on the ball and defensive intelligence, Miyabi has steadily grown into a key figure within Japan’s backline.Since earning her first international cap in 2023, Miyabi has made more than 20 appearances for Japan, recording two goals along the way. Her consistent performances and versatility across the defensive line have made her a trusted option for the national team.
Japan is set to face the U.S. Women’s National Team in a three-match series during the FIFA window. The first match will take place on April 11 in San Jose, followed by a second meeting on April 14 at Lumen Field. The series will conclude on April 17 in Denver, offering both Tanaka and Miyabi another valuable opportunity to showcase their continued growth against top-tier international competition.
Lara Prašnikar – Slovenia
Slovenian forward Lara Prašnikar has earned a place on the national team roster for Slovenia’s April doubleheader against Norway. Since joining URFC in August 2025, Prašnikar has quickly become a key piece of the Royals’ attacking unit, utilizing her movement both on and off the ball to pressure opposing defenses. Her international experience has also brought an added level of composure and leadership to her NWSL squad. Prašnikar has enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 NWSL season, highlighted by her first NWSL goal in the club’s home opener on Sunday, March 22 against the San Diego Wave. That goal marked a significant milestone, as she became the first Slovenian player to score in the NWSL, further underscoring her growing impact in the league.She will now look to carry that momentum onto the international stage, as Slovenia faces Norway in two matches. The first is set for April 14 in Oslo, Norway, with the second taking place on April 18 in Ptuj, Slovenia.
Janni Thomsen - Denmark
Danish midfielder Janni Thomsen is joining the Danish Women’s National Team during the break, playing two matches for her country. The first on April 14 is against the Swedish women’s team in Sweden, before heading to Denmark to play its second match on April 18 against Italy. Thomsen ended her debut NWSL season in 2025 scoring three goals in four matches cementing herself as one of URFC’s leading scorers and an important piece to the strong end to the club’s season where the squad won eight straight matches. Thomsen has become a main piece of the Royals starting lineup, starting in two matches so far this season and providing important help on defense and offense. The midfielder's ability to place perfect balls for her teammates and her skill and composure in high pressure situations has made her a regular fixture in both the NWSL and on the International stage.
Kameron Simmonds - Jamaica
Forward/defender Kameron Simmonds has been named to Jamaica’s Senior Women’s National (Reggae Girlz) team for the second consecutive FIFA International Window of 2026. Simmonds’ continued presence on the International stage makes her one of the youngest Royals to earn a senior team roster spot and further showcases her level of play and her overall impact on the pitch, emphasizing that with her youth and continued development, she will remain a serious threat to opponents at both the club and international level. The Reggae Girlz will play two matches on home soil for the CONCACAF Women’s Championship qualification round, the first on April 10th against Antigua before closing out the window on April 18th taking on Guyana.
Kiana Palacios - Mexico
Recently acquired forward Kiana Palacios is earning her first International call-up as a Royal. The Mexican-American player was a marquee signing for Utah, previously playing for Liga MX Feminil side Club América where she holds the title as the club's all-time leading scorer. Palacios brings immense experience and scoring power to any roster she is a part of and has already made an impact in Utah, recording one assist and being selected for the Royals starting lineup in three of the club's four matches so far in 2026. Palacios will be joining the Mexican Women’s National Team for the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Qualifiers two matches. The first taking place on April 10 against the U.S. Virgin Islands before closing out the qualifiers against Puerto Rico on April 18.
Cloé Lacasse - Canada
Canadian forward Cloé Lacasse rounds out the six URFC players joining their respective countries during the April FIFA international window. Lacasse was a regular on the Canada Women’s National Team from 2021 until she tore her ACL in October 2024. After working relentlessly to return to the pitch, she made her NWSL comeback on August 8, 2025, for the Royals and has steadily regained both speed and confidence in her game. Since returning to the NWSL, Lacasse has recorded one goal and two assists, including one already in the 2026 season. Her dedication to the game earned her a return to the national team in February 2026, and as her form continues to shine, she looks poised to make a strong impact for Canada once again during this international window. Canada is set to play three matches in Brazil, opening against Zambia on April 11. They will then face the Republic of Korea on April 14 before closing out the slate on April 18 against host nation Brazil.
Utah Royals FC will then return to America First Field on Friday, April 3, to take on the Chicago Stars in front of a home crowd. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MT, with the match streaming on NWSL+. Tickets are also available for purchase here.
