Emma Hayes, head coach of the United States women’s national team, has stressed that defeating world‑number‑one Spain will require a united effort from both sides of the pitch. The U.S. will face the reigning World Cup champions in two friendlies – the first on Saturday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., and the second on Tuesday in Chester, Pennsylvania – as part of the first FIFA international break in four months.
The United States, ranked second in FIFA’s standings and the current Olympic champions, will use the matches as a “benchmark” before the 2027 World Cup, which the U.S. must still qualify for next month. Hayes said the training week had been “really, really good” and that each game offers a chance to “improve our game.” She highlighted that the team’s focus will shift from camp to camp, aiming to defeat any opponent while continually developing their style of play.
Both squads will be missing key players due to injury. The U.S. will be without defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Sam Coffey, who withdrew from the camp after club‑related injuries. Spain will miss three‑time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, whose return from a broken leg has been delayed by pain, as well as forward Clàudia Pina and defender Mapi León, who also pulled out with injuries. Lucía García has been called up to replace Pina in Washington, D.C. Despite the absences, Hayes praised Spanish midfielder Patri Guijarro as “an exceptional football player” and lauded Spain’s collective identity, which she attributes to a superior development and coaching system.
During the week, Hayes and her players emphasized the need to manage Spain’s pressing game while also applying pressure when the U.S. holds possession. “They’re really good at pressing,” she noted, adding that the U.S. must “handle Spain’s defensive pressure and put pressure on them when they have the ball.” Trinity Rodman echoed this sentiment, saying the challenge will be “getting out and getting it to our forward line,” a skill the team has been working on.
The friendlies will serve as a crucial test for the U.S. ahead of the World Cup, offering a chance to gauge their readiness against the top‑ranked side. With the U.S. still needing to secure qualification next month, the outcomes of these matches will be closely watched as the team prepares for the next stage of its international campaign.