Oh boy, Vlatko Andonovski must have felt lighter than a helium balloon after the U.S. women’s national soccer team’s victory over Ireland. He even shamelessly joked with reporters about captain Becky Sauerbrunn almost scoring for the first time in 150 million years (well, 15 years, but who’s counting?).

Although Andonovski might still have heaps of work ahead and the impending 2023 Women’s World Cup, at least he finished his giant space puzzle (aka developing a new system and introducing new players after the Tokyo Olympics disappointment). Now, he can focus on scrutinizing the world’s deepest soccer talent pool while binge-watching his favorite sitcom.

The final list for the 23 players that will compete at the World Cup won’t be released until at least June 19, so Andonovski will keep his fingers, toes, and every available extremity crossed to avoid any Mallory Swanson-esque injuries in the meantime.

He’ll also grade veteran midfielder Julie Ertz’s comeback, stalk Megan Rapinoe’s injury status, and determine if Catarina Macario can magically turn into a soccer wizard again after a year-long ACL surgery layoff.

Turns out, Andonovski has categorized players into two factions: those who, barring any sudden transformation into a potato, are guaranteed a roster spot, and those who still need to make their case while wearing superhero capes.

The first group features the likes of goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, defender Crystal Dunn, midfielder Rose Lavelle, and forward Alex Morgan. Names like Alana Cook, Ashley Sanchez, and Trinity Rodman also seem to have their seats booked (pending return to action) for Rapinoe and Ertz.

Next up is the band of misfits whose performances will be scrutinized as if they’re auditioning for “America’s Got Talent.”

Among the defenders on the bubble, Davidson, Krueger, and O’Hara have their work cut out for them. Sofia Huerta might need a magic potion after not making a strong case for a World Cup roster spot.

For the sake of Mal Pugh’s injured heart, Rodman, Thompson, and Williams will battle it out to replace her on the left wing, a position Rapinoe has owned for three World Cups now.

In the striker department, Ashley Hatch will need to pull a rabbit out of her hat to secure her position, especially if Macario smoothly returns to her club team Olympique Lyonnais.

Naeher might cling to the No. 1 goalkeeping slot, but Andonovski needs to keep an eye on Murphy, because, as we all know, anything can happen at the World Cup (just ask the Frenchmen a few years ago).

So here we are, with the players dispersed between sure bets and bubble dwellers, eagerly awaiting their fate. Let the (hunger) games begin, and may the odds be ever in their favor as they fight for their spot in the 2023 Women’s World Cup!