USWNT Faces Spain in World Cup Tuneup at Audi Field

The United States women's national team faced defending world champion Spain on Saturday, October 10, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., in the first of two friendlies between the world's top-ranked women's soccer teams as both programs prepare for the 2027 World Cup.

According to USA TODAY Sports, the match served as a major evaluation point for Emma Hayes' team ahead of World Cup qualifying next month. The U.S. entered the game ranked No. 2 by FIFA, while Spain held the No. 1 position.

Yahoo Sports reported that the teams were scheduled to meet twice within 76 and a half hours, with the second friendly set for Tuesday at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. The games were expected to provide preparation rather than competitive consequences.

Trinity Rodman highlighted the value of facing elite opposition before the World Cup cycle reaches its decisive stage.

"It's a huge opportunity, especially with it being friendlies. 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." said Trinity Rodman, forward.

The U.S. has used recent matches against highly ranked teams as preparation, including games against Japan and Brazil, while building toward CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, according to Yahoo Sports.

Emma Hayes said the team's focus was improving overall performance rather than one specific area.

"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, USWNT head coach.

Hayes also assessed the return of forward Mallory Swanson, who had not played since the 2024 Olympics in Paris because of childbirth. She also discussed the progress of players returning to the national team setup.

"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, USWNT head coach.

Spain captain Irene Paredes said her team viewed the friendlies as a serious test despite the matches not affecting tournament standings.

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

Spain has won the 2023 Women's World Cup and finished second at the 2025 European Championship, while remaining at the top of the FIFA rankings since August 2025, according to Yahoo Sports.

Lily Yohannes, the youngest U.S. player on the roster at 19, described the matchup as an important learning opportunity.

"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, USWNT midfielder.

Rodman also reacted to Yohannes receiving strong support from family and friends in the Washington area for the Audi Field match.

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

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

The U.S. entered the match without injured defenders Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett, creating an opportunity for Kennedy Wesley and Tara Rudd to gain experience in central defense, according to CBS Sports.

Wesley explained that facing Spain required defensive discipline against a team known for movement and possession.

"I think the first thing that comes to mind is that we're going to need to be really disciplined. I think they're so dynamic in their movements, in their interchange when they have the ball, when they're in possession so it'll be really really important for us to be disciplined, not get pulled out of position so that we can kind of dispute their attack but I also think working form the back to front, it'll be really important we're really front-footed and pressing high on the field, not allowing them space and time because I think that's what they're the most successful so I think between the discipline and the front-footedness, those are really important." said Kennedy Wesley, USWNT defender.

Rodman also praised Ashley Sanchez's return to the national team environment 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.