​The U.S. Women’s National Team has announced two October friendlies against world No. 1 Spain, marking a high-profile series that showcases the ongoing competition at the top of women’s international soccer. U.S. Soccer confirmed the dates on Monday, highlighting the clash between the defending Olympic champions and the reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup titleholders as part of the Americans’ busy schedule ahead of World Cup qualifying later in the year. These two matchups will give both teams meaningful tests as they prepare for the next phase of international play.
The doubleheader will open on October 10, with the United States hosting Spain at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The venue choice brings a chance for the home crowd to witness a marquee matchup on American soil, underscoring the U.S. team’s ongoing push to play strong, high-caliber opponents on domestic turf. The second meeting is slated for October 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. This East Coast back-to-back set provides consecutive opportunities for players to demonstrate cohesion, depth, and tactical adaptability against a formidable foe.
Currently ranked No. 2 in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, the United States sits just behind Spain, which holds the top position. The pairing promises a compelling contrast in styles and a genuine measure of where each team stands as they gear up for their respective campaigns. Emma Hayes, head coach of the USWNT, described the forthcoming dates as “two more fantastic matches.” She noted the challenge of securing matches against the world’s best teams within the women’s international calendar, a reality that can complicate scheduling. Hayes expressed enthusiasm about finally adding Spain to the USWNT’s calendar, emphasizing that the East Coast venues will provide ideal testing grounds ahead of World Cup qualifying later in the year.
Historically, the United States and Spain have faced off four times. The U.S. Women’s National Team rhythmically dominated the early meetings, sweeping the first three encounters. However, Spain handed the Americans a setback with a 2-0 victory in Pamplona in 2022, illustrating that Spain has markedly evolved and become a more formidable rival on the global stage. The upcoming October fixtures will be especially telling as both teams aim to refine their strategies, integrate any new players, and execute game plans that can carry them through the demanding World Cup qualifying schedule late this year.
In a special ceremony line, there will be a pregame retirement tribute to Crystal Dunn, the legendary U.S. defender, before the October 10 match in Washington, D.C. Dunn’s distinguished career includes being named the 2015 NWSL MVP while starring for the Washington Spirit, making the retirement ceremony a meaningful moment for fans and players alike. The event will honor Dunn’s contributions as she transitions from international soccer, celebrating a storied career that has significantly impacted the U.S. women’s national program.
The October window against Spain is positioned to serve multiple purposes: it provides a platform for the U.S. to refine tactical plans, evaluate emerging talent in a high-stakes environment, and measure the team’s readiness ahead of World Cup qualifying. For Spain, the matches also offer an opportunity to consolidate their status as the reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions and to test themselves against a familiar rival with Olympic pedigree. The clash is set to captivate fans across the United States and is expected to draw attendance from supporters eager to see the best in women’s football compete at a high level.
This pair of friendlies continues a busy period for the U.S. women’s program, which remains focused on maintaining competitive momentum while managing travel, player availability, and the broader calendar constraints that affect national-team schedules. As always, the matches will serve as critical milestones in the lead-up to the next major tournaments and qualifying rounds, ensuring the U.S. program remains at the forefront of women’s international soccer and continues to push for excellence on the global stage.