Swanson and Sanchez delivered against Spain, but shaky goalkeeping and defensive lapses leave Emma Hayes with pressing questions before World Cup qualifying.
Teams have been busy booking their spots and preparing for the summer's tournament in Brazil - but who are the most likely contenders to claim the trophy?
Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson took charge with their first U.S. goals in two years, but the USWNT's backline raised questions about its chemistry and shaky communication.
Sophia Wilson and Gisele Thompson offered hope for the USWNT, but a 2-0 loss to Spain raised fresh questions about midfield chemistry and readiness for the biggest tests.
The U.S. Women's National Team will play Spain for the first time in four years on Saturday at Audi Field in Washington D.C. in the first of two friendlies against the World's No. 1.
Sam Coffey's Man City beat Emily Fox's Arsenal, Alyssa Thompson shines for Chelsea, Naomi Girma is injured in training and Phallon Tullis-Joyce shuts out Liverpool.
Emma Hayes names 26 players for the USWNT’s October tests against Spain, with final looks before qualifying and questions around Jaedyn Shaw and Naomi Girma.
U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has named a 26-player roster for October camp ahead of two matches against reigning World Cup champion Spain. Sam Coffey and Naomi Girma return after missing June’s games in Brazil while recovering from injuries. The group also includes Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson - the trio known as “Triple Espresso” - along with NWSL Golden Boot leader Ashley Sanchez and four uncapped players.
The U.S. women's national team (UWSNT) are approaching a camp ahead of their friendlies against Spain, so this past weekend proved to be one of the last weekends of WSL and French Ligue 1 action that the Americans will have before the next call in.
Sam Coffey and City won, while Emily Fox and Phallon Tullis-Joyce drew 1-1. Chelsea won amid questions over Naomi Girma's minutes and Alyssa Thompson's scoring.
Gotham clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 win over North Carolina, while Angel City beat Utah 3-0 and Denver Summit stunned Seattle 2-1 as the NWSL playoff picture took shape.
Chelsea's Alyssa Thompson didn't score, but the Blues put five past Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Manchester United, Emily Fox and Arsenal played to a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, and Manchester City and Sam Coffey won 4-1 against Aston Villa.
U.S. Soccer announced on Thursday that MLS commissioner Don Garber will serve as chair of the Soccer Forward Foundation, taking on a role that will center on expanding access and increasing investment in soccer in America. The announcement comes as Garber prepares to step away from his role as commissioner after 27 years leading MLS.
Emily Fox helped Arsenal start with a win, but Chelsea and Manchester United stumbled as USWNT stars returned to club action across England and France.
With the World Cup approaching, Emma Sears may want out of Louisville, while Mallory Swanson and Claire Hutton must weigh whether struggling NWSL clubs offer the right environments for their futures.
The U.S. Women’s National Team will face its toughest tests of 2026 before turning its attention to World Cup qualifying, hosting world No. 1 Spain for two October friendlies. The teams will meet Oct. 10 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET, before facing off again three days later at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, at 7 p.m. ET. Recently retired USWNT icon Crystal Dunn will be honored before the opening match.
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