​The U.S. women’s national team faces its next major challenge ahead of World Cup qualifying with two October friendlies against Spain, the sport’s top-ranked side. The Americans will host Spain in Washington, D.C., on October 10, then travel to Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, for a rematch on October 13. “We’ve desperately wanted to schedule Spain,” said head coach Emma Hayes in a news release, “but the difficulties of arranging matches against top teams on the women’s international calendar are well known. Being able to play these two games on the East Coast will provide the ideal tests before we begin World Cup qualifying later this year.”
Spain earned direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup after a strong European qualifying campaign in June, which included a 4-0 victory over England and a 6-1 win against Iceland. Their fall schedule against the United States is thus unlocked. By contrast, the U.S. will not have direct qualification secured and will wait for Concacaf’s qualifying window later this year, which runs through late November into early December.
Facing Spain represents another robust test for Hayes’s program. The Americans previously faced similar pressure in June, when they played two friendlies against Brazil in Brazil to experience the intense, hostile atmospheres that could emerge next summer if they advance to the World Cup. “That’s why I keep emphasizing that we don’t always need perfect conditions to challenge ourselves,” Hayes reflected in June, underscoring the value of tough environments even when conditions aren’t ideal.
Even though October’s U.S. home fixtures will offer a friendlier crowd than Brazil, the on-field competition will be fierce. Spain and the United States have faced limited, though notable, head-to-head history, with the United States currently holding more wins—three to Spain’s one. Yet Spain’s recent form has been exceptionally strong, highlighted by their 2023 World Cup title and their ongoing status as a global force in women’s soccer. The October games will therefore test the U.S. squad’s readiness as they look ahead to World Cup qualifying later this year.
Several questions loom over Hayes’s roster selections as she prepares for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil. The potential return of the Triple Espresso line—Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, and Mal Swanson—will certainly factor into plans, along with decisions about who will guard the goal. The October matches against Spain could prove crucial for players on the periphery who are fighting for a place in the World Cup lineup.
In a broader sense, these fixtures are also about recognizing the contributions of former stars. Crystal Dunn, who announced her retirement in January, will be honored before the opening match at Audi Field. Dunn, selected by the Washington Spirit as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 college draft, enjoyed a breakout 2015 season, capturing the NWSL Golden Boot and MVP honors, and she played a pivotal role for the United States as part of the 2019 World Cup-winning squad. Her recognition underscores the evolving relationship between the national team and professional leagues as they prepare for the next generation of players in the run-up to the 2027 World Cup.