USWNT to host world No. 1 Spain in two friendlies in October

The United States women’s national team is set to host the world’s top-ranked team, Spain, for two friendly matches in October, following an announcement from U.S. Soccer. This exciting showdown will take place at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on October 10, and again at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, on October 13. These matches are being viewed as crucial preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

Upcoming Matches

With both teams among the best in women’s soccer, the USWNT, reigning Olympic champions and four-time World Cup winners, is eager to face Spain, the current World Cup titleholders. Head coach Emma Hayes expressed her enthusiasm for the matches, emphasizing the challenges of arranging games with top international teams during the women’s international calendar. “These games on the East Coast will provide perfect tests,” Hayes noted.

This will mark the second encounter between the two teams on U.S. soil, the first being at the 2020 SheBelieves Cup, where the USWNT claimed a narrow 1-0 victory. The last match between them occurred in October 2022 in Pamplona, where a strong Spanish side defeated the USWNT 2-0, ultimately going on to win the Women’s World Cup nine months later.

Team Dynamics

Midfielder Sam Coffey, who has recently solidified her role in the national team, called Spain an “exceptional team” and anticipates thrilling competition. She believes these matches will be a gauge of the U.S. team’s progress, though she emphasized that the focus should remain on their performance. “We just need to be our best. When we are, we can beat anyone,” Coffey stated.

Scheduling top European opponents has become increasingly challenging for the U.S. due to Europe’s lengthy qualifying processes. Spain’s availability comes as they topped their qualifying group without having to contest playoffs, furthering their readiness for their encounter with the U.S.

As part of their preparations, the USWNT will utilize U.S. Soccer’s new training center located outside Atlanta, Georgia, for the first time ahead of these matches. This facility opened earlier this year and will serve as a central training ground for the team’s upcoming campaigns.

The matches will mark the first time in four months that both teams have taken the field since Spain concluded World Cup qualifying in early June with a dominant win over England. Meanwhile, the U.S. recently participated in a friendly series in Brazil, where they split the results.

Coffey, who underwent minor knee surgery earlier this year, is expected to be fully fit for the matches. She expressed optimism about her recovery and readiness for the season ahead, highlighting her determination to contribute effectively.