USWNT Faces World Champions Spain in Two-Match October Series

Midfielder Rose Lavelle described the upcoming USWNT vs Spain matches as a benchmark for the Americans ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) will host reigning World Cup champions Spain for two matches on Oct. 10 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., and Oct. 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Midfielder Rose Lavelle described the series as a benchmark for the squad as they prepare for the 2027 World Cup. Spain currently holds the No. 1 world ranking and won the most recent meeting between these teams 2-0 in 2022.

Head coach Emma Hayes confirmed she pushed to schedule these matches to test the roster against top-tier competition. The Americans have already faced three top-10 opponents this year, including a three-game series against Japan where they won twice and lost once, and a two-game split against Brazil. The U.S. also played Canada earlier in 2024. To qualify for the next World Cup, the U.S. must defeat El Salvador next month.

The U.S. roster will be without defender Naomi Girma and midfielder Sam Coffey, who both withdrew from training camp due to injuries sustained this past week. However, forward Mallory Swanson has returned to the squad following a hip injury and the birth of her first child. If Swanson appears in the upcoming USWNT vs Spain matches, it will be her first international cap since October 2024. Forward Sophia Wilson also recently returned to the team after the birth of her first child.