USWNT lines up heavyweight Spain friendlies ahead of 2027 World Cup

Key Points:

• Spain (FIFA No. 1 and reigning world champion) and the U.S. (No. 2 and defending Olympic gold medalist) will play two high-profile friendlies on October 10 and 13 in Washington, D.C., and suburban Philadelphia as part of their preparations for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
• Spain has already qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, while the U.S. needs to defeat El Salvador in November to secure their spot.
• These matches mark the first U.S. games since facing Brazil last month and the first meeting with Spain since a 2022 friendly won by Spain; historically, the U.S. leads their head-to-head with three wins out of four encounters.
• Spain boasts top players like Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmatí and Alexia Putellas, while the U.S. is integrating young talent and expects their frontline of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Mallory Swanson to play together for the first time since the Olympics.
• The U.S. will honor retired star Crystal Dunn before the Washington match, and tickets for both games will be available to the public starting Thursday.