The United States women’s national team had a mixed but revealing test against Spain in a two-match friendly series. After a 2-0 defeat in the opening match, the U.S. responded with a 2-2 draw after conceding twice early.
The series offered reason for optimism and exposed areas of concern ahead of the Concacaf W Championship. With qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup on the line, the U.S. must address mistakes quickly. Because of the NWSL postseason schedule, the USWNT is without a traditional training camp before the tournament, leaving the team with limited time to prepare.
With an important qualifier approaching, the friendlies provided a glimpse of what the USWNT can do — and what they need to improve as the stakes rise.
Slow starts are a problem for the US
The U.S. struggled to settle into both matches, allowing Spain to take control early. In the opener, it took just three minutes for Spanish midfielder Patricia Guijarro to fire a long-range shot past goalkeeper Claudia Dickey. Then, 10 minutes later, forward Eva Navarro doubled the lead, scoring off a cross from midfielder Salma Paralluelo. In the second match, the U.S. made a similar start, chasing from behind after giving up two goals in the first 32 minutes.
In the tournament, the USWNT must establish urgency and focus from the kickoff, especially against opponents that are capable of quickly punishing mistakes. Stronger starts will help the U.S. dictate the pace rather than play from a disadvantage.
Defensive mistakes leave room for concern
The U.S. backline struggled to contain Spanish players, who capitalized on defensive lapses and poor decision-making. Playing without veterans Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett, the U.S. lacked defensive organization and supporting coverage.
Turnovers, including defensive breakdowns and poor clearances, also contributed to Spain’s early advantages. Ahead of the W Championship, the U.S. defenders must turn their focus to communication, positioning and ball security. With Sonnett out for the tournament and Girma’s status uncertain, the backline will need to step up.
The US must convert its chances
The American players showed that they could create opportunities against Spain, but their attacking pressure did not translate to goals. Despite recording 10 shots on target in the first match, the U.S. finished scoreless. Goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares made key saves, but the U.S. offense must improve their finishing.
In that match, forward Sophia Wilson created promising chances. In the 53rd minute, she found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled offside. The U.S. earned another opportunity when Wilson drew a penalty kick. Midfielder Lily Yohannes stepped up to take it but sent it directly to Nanclares for an easy save.
In upcoming knockout matches, outshooting opponents won’t matter. Failure to convert chances will leave the U.S. vulnerable.
The comeback highlighted the USWNT’s attacking potential
Despite another slow start, the second match showcased the USWNT’s ability to respond. Unwilling to let the deficit determine the outcome, the team answered with a stronger second half. In the 49th minute, midfielder Ashley Sanchez scored the first American goal of the series off an isolation play.
Head coach Emma Hayes made important substitutions that increased the team’s intensity. In the 61st minute, forwards Mallory Swanson and Michelle Cooper entered the match, adding energy to the U.S. attack. Cooper assisted Swanson’s game-tying finish in the 86th.
The second half showed the USWNT’s capabilities when they play with urgency and execution. This should reassure American players, who proved that they could contend when everyone comes ready to play.
Lessons from the friendlies will help the USWNT tie up loose ends
Regardless of the results, these friendlies provided the USWNT with a valuable opportunity before the qualifying tournament. Spain already qualified for the 2027 World Cup, but the U.S. still has to secure their spot. By competing against the reigning world champions, the American squad left with a wake-up call.
Just five weeks away from the W Championship, the tournament will be the ultimate test of the USWNT’s ability to correct mistakes promptly. Addressing weak spots and upholding team strengths will be critical as the U.S. advances to the next step in their pursuit of a fifth World Cup title.