The USCA has finalized its selection process and officially announced the six-player team that will represent the United States at the 2026 MacRobertson Shield to be held this summer in England, one of the sport’s most prestigious international competitions. Following a comprehensive selection process, the USCA has named the following players to the 2026 team:
Zack Watson
Matthew Essick
Tom Balding
Ben Rothman
Stephen Morgan
Kyle Maloof
Alternate: Blake Fields
The MacRobertson Shield is widely regarded as the premier AC team event, contested among the world’s leading croquet nations in a multi-test match format that emphasizes endurance, adaptability and elite match play. The 2026 Shield will take place in England from July 24 to August 9, 2026, and will be hosted by several clubs including the Roehamption Club, the Hurlingham Club, Sussex County Croquet Club and Surbiton Croquet Club.
Each location offers premier facilities, with a total of 22 lawns prepared to host the world’s top players under exacting championship conditions. Representing the United States at this level is considered one of the highest honors in the sport. The USCA congratulates all selected players and looks forward to supporting the team as preparations begin for the 2026 event.
Supporting International Croquet
The USCA is able to support team and individual participation at international events through the Lee Olsen Fund, which plays a critical role in ensuring American players can compete at the highest levels of the sport worldwide. Established in 1985, the Lee Olsen Fund helps offset travel expenses for U.S. teams selected to represent the USCA in international competition. The fund is named in honor of Lee Olsen, a longtime member of the Westhampton Mallet Club in New York and The Beach Club in Florida, who was a tireless ambassador for croquet and international competition.
The fund provides stipends to assist with travel costs for all players selected for international team competitions, as well as support for youth competitors participating in international events. Beginning in 2018, the Lee Olsen Fund also designed and procured official U.S. team uniforms, which are provided at no cost to any USCA member selected to represent the United States internationally. This initiative has strengthened team identity and helps present a unified, professional presence when competing abroad.
Continued support of the Lee Olsen Fund helps ensure the United States can field its strongest possible teams on the world stage. As international competition expands and travel demands increase, the fund remains instrumental in sustaining Team USA’s global participation and long-term competitive success.
For more information about the USCA, visit www.croquetamerica.com.