USWNTRonald Martinez

USWNT announces 10 games in 2019 leading up to World Cup

U.S. Soccer has announced the U.S. women's national team schedule leading up to the 2019 World Cup, a 10-game series the federation has dubbed the "Countdown to the Cup."

Eight of the 10 games will take place in the United States, with the USWNT opening its 2019 campaign with matches in Europe against France on January 19 and at Spain three days later. 

The 10 matches will also include the SheBelieves Cup, a three-game tournament against powers Japan, England and Brazil set to take place in late February and early March. 

Article continues below

After friendlies against Australia and Brazil in early April, the U.S. will then embark on a three-match "Send-Off Series" against South Africa, a yet-to-be-determined opponent, and Mexico. 

From there, the USWNT will head to France as it looks to become the second team to successfully defend a Women's World Cup tittle. 

“This schedule checks a lot of important boxes in our preparation for the World Cup,” head coach Jill Ellis said in a federation release. “We’ll get to experience a variety of teams in regard to their strengths and styles of play and almost all of the countries will be in their World Cup preparation as well.

"We are playing tough games in Europe, which is vitally important, and also get to play quality opponents in front of our home fans at venues all across the USA. It will go fast, but these games will be a major factor in pushing us to be at our peak once we arrive in France next summer."

The U.S. will learn its fate for the World Cup on Saturday, when the Final draw will be held in Paris.

Full USWNT schedule below

DateOpponentLocationTime (ET)
Jan. 19FranceLe Havre, France2:30 p.m.
Jan. 22SpainAlicante, Spain 2:30 p.m.
Feb. 27Japan (SheBelieves Cup)Chester, Pa.7 p.m.
March 2England (SheBelieves Cup)Nashville, Tenn.4:30 p.m.
March 5Brazil (SheBelieves Cup)Tampa, Fla. 8 p.m.
April 4AustraliaCommerce City, Colo.9 p.m.
April 7BelgiumLos Angeles, Calif.9 p.m.
May 12South Africa (Send-Off Series)Santa Clara, Calif.4:30 p.m.
May 16

TBD (Send-Off Series)

St. Louis, Mo.8 p.m.
May 26Mexico (Send-Off Series)Harrison, N.J.12 p.m.
Advertisement