Following the US women's national team's opening game of the 2023 Women's World Cup where they triumphed 3-0 over Vietnam, defender Naomi Girma explained her and her teammates' decision to not sing the USA national anthem.

In sporting events around the world, many athletes choose to sing their respective nation's national anthem before games, and this is often seen in the United States in leagues such as the NFL and MLB. But not everyone chooses to take part in the singing.

This has brought a lot of commentary among fans across the US, with some saying Girma should sing the anthem no matter what, while others simply believe it's her (and everyone else's) choice to sing the anthem or not.

"I think when we’re out there, we’re preparing for the game. And that isn’t the focus," Girma said.

But Girma was quick to make sure to not make the matter about herself - explaining that no one should be forced to sing their nation's national anthem.

"Ultimately, every player has the choice. I think that’s what I would say," she asserted.

Girma has established herself as a staple in head coach Vlatko Andonovski's side, making her first appearance at the competition against Vietnam last Friday. Now, the USWNT gear up to face Netherlands in a rematch of the 2019 Women's World Cup final on July 26.

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This article was originally published on 90min as USWNT's Naomi Girma explains decision to not sing national anthem.