USWNT Faces Spain in World Cup Preview Friendlies

The United States women's national team will face Spain in two friendlies as the world's top-ranked women's soccer programs meet in Washington and Pennsylvania. The matches serve as preparation for the 2027 World Cup, where both teams are expected to contend.

According to the source, the No. 2 United States and No. 1 Spain will play twice within 76½ hours, with the first match at Audi Field in Washington and the second at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The teams have met only four times in history and have not played each other in four years.

Forward Trinity Rodman said the games provide another major challenge for the USWNT during its World Cup buildup.

"It's a huge opportunity, especially with it being friendlies," said Trinity Rodman, forward. "We've had the privilege to have great opponents this year going into a World Cup year. Obviously happy we're able to play this one in the U.S. and to have our fans behind us."

The United States previously tested itself against Japan and Brazil this year, winning two of three home matches against Japan and splitting two away matches with Brazil, according to the source.

USWNT coach Emma Hayes said the team is focused on improving its overall performance and tactical decision-making before major competitions.

"Just keep improving our game. It's not one thing; it's all of it. It's just making the collective better. It's making the collective understanding to think tactically, apply the right decisions, because we like our players to be able to manage what we call the hybrid expectations that you need in a game," said Emma Hayes, coach.

Spain has already qualified for the 2027 World Cup and has risen rapidly in women's soccer, winning the 2023 World Cup and reaching the final of the 2025 European Championship, according to the source.

"They're two friendly games, but we're approaching them as if the World Cup starts here," said Irene Paredes, captain.

Paredes added that Spain's view of the United States has changed after years of development. The Spanish team has remained atop the FIFA rankings since August 2025.

"Before, we looked at [the U.S. women's national team] from several steps below and wanted to be like them — in terms of the game, drawing crowds and conditions. Now we can go toe-to-toe with them," said Irene Paredes, captain.

Spain has lost only 10 of 104 senior matches since its defeat to the United States in the 2020 SheBelieves Cup, according to the source.

"We know they're a great side. They've shown their individual quality, but also collective quality, and that's something we're definitely excited for. To face a great opponent is really great for us.

We've played a lot of different types of opponents this past year, and it's the best prep we can get heading into World Cup qualifiers. Really looking forward to these two games and seeing how we can grow and how we can relish this opportunity," said Lily Yohannes, midfielder.

Yohannes, who grew up in Springfield, Virginia, is the USWNT's youngest player at 19 and expects more than 60 guests from the Washington area to attend the match, according to the source.

"I don't even know that many people! What are we doing? That's crazy.

And she didn't even ask me for my tickets. Sixty?" said Trinity Rodman, forward.

Rodman and Washington Spirit teammates Tara Rudd and Rodman will play in familiar surroundings at Audi Field. Rodman is also coming off a productive NWSL season with 11 goals and eight assists, according to the source.

Hayes also discussed forward Mallory Swanson's return after she missed matches following childbirth since the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

"She's really finding her feet, so I've been impressed with her this week at training camp in Georgia. Being in camp this week reminded [her] again what another top player we've been missing for a period of time, and our goal is to get back to those levels. We're on the way to doing that," said Emma Hayes, coach.

Swanson's possible return was one of the major roster developments, while Ashley Sanchez also returned to the national team setup after a strong NWSL season.

"She's been through a lot of ups and downs of coming into a national team, not starting, getting traded, and just so many things she's overcome. Being the top goal-scorer on the wing is really impressive. I'm just really happy for her, and I do think this is her time," said Trinity Rodman, forward.