The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) opened 2026 in emphatic fashion, showcasing both depth and excitement as they kicked off their year with commanding wins against Paraguay (6–0) at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, followed by a 5–0 victory over Chile at Harder Stadium on the University of California campus in Santa Barbara. These performances reflect a team in transition that is loaded with youthful ambition, new contributors finding their footing, and a clear direction under newly appointed head coach Emma Hayes.
This January camp marked Emma Hayes’ first steps into her role leading the USWNT in competitive matches. Known for her success with club sides, most notably at Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, Hayes has brought a tactical emphasis on possession, attacking fluidity, and opportunities for emerging players. Her willingness to rotate lineups across these friendlies against Paraguay and Chile demonstrated a commitment to evaluating talent across the roster, not just relying on established stars.
Hayes’ approach has emphasized adaptability and confidence, empowering players with limited international experience to make meaningful contributions. By shifting personnel between matches while maintaining strong results and clean sheets, Hayes has signaled a competitive environment that rewards performance, versatility, and courage.
Playing under sunny Southern California skies, the USWNT opened their 2026 season with a 6–0 rout of Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson. While the U.S. controlled possession and chances throughout, the breakthrough came late in the first half when Reilyn Turner scored her first international goal — fittingly in her first appearance for the national team.
Once halftime arrived, the goals flowed in quick succession. Ally Sentnor logged a brace by scoring twice, including an early second-half strike that set the tone before an own goal from Paraguay’s defense further tilted the scoreline. Trinity Rodman, wearing the captain’s armband, netted her own strike on the night, along with a dazzling signature celebration, followed by Emma Sears adding another to complete the dominant display.
This 6–0 win didn’t just reflect individual moments; it underlined new contributors stepping up, blending experience with fresh energy. It also signaled the new character of the USWNT under Hayes.
Just days later at Harder Stadium, the USWNT returned with a less experienced starting XI, perhaps one of the least capped lineups in decades, yet continued their momentum with a 5–0 win over Chile.
In a night adorned by first-time goal scorers, Croix Bethune, Jameese Joseph, and Emily Sams all found the back of the net for their first international goals. Their decisive strikes, particularly Bethune’s early opener and Sams’ leadership as captain, highlighted the depth emerging within this roster.
Following those debut goals, Emma Sears added another early in the second half before Trinity Rodman capped the scoring and danced again, energizing the home crowd with her trademark flair shortly after entering the match.
This result wasn’t just about winning; it was affirmation that confidence, creativity, and adaptability are spreading throughout the squad. Moreover, it served to validate the distinct transformation and character ushered in by Emma Hayes.
One of the most compelling storylines across both matches was the resurgence and impact of Trinity Rodman. After missing much of 2025 due to injuries, Rodman returned to the USWNT fold and immediately made her presence felt. Her goal against Paraguay marked her first with the national team in nine months, and her performance underscored a renewed confidence that was at least in part enhanced by a historic new professional contract with the NWSL’s Washington Spirit that makes her one of the highest-paid women’s soccer players in the world.
Rodman’s energy on and off the ball has been palpable. Strikingly, both matches saw her celebrate with joy and connection to her teammates and coaching staff alike, symbolizing her excitement to be back in full stride.
Hayes’ comments and Rodman’s demeanor suggest a symbiotic relationship: the coach trusts her star winger to lead by example, and Rodman has responded with confident, decisive play.
With January camp now complete, the USWNT’s attention turns toward the SheBelieves Cup in March and later World Cup qualifying matches. Hayes has clearly used these California friendlies as a testing ground where she focused on assessing tactical patterns, player combinations, and mental resilience.
The confidence built from 11 goals scored and zero conceded across two matches sets a strong foundation for what lies ahead. New goal scorers have emerged, established talents like Rodman are reasserting their influence, and Hayes’ evolving style offers a compelling blend of tactical acuity and opportunity.
If this early season is any indication, the USWNT may be entering one of its most intriguing and dynamic periods in recent memory. The USWNT is blending youth and experience, innovation and tradition, with the clear goal of reasserting global dominance.
Ahsan Awan has been covering sports for over two decades and has been covering US Soccer and the US national team squads since 2014. Images taken by Ahsan Awan for American Presswire and ©2026 American Presswire. Editorial use by American Presswire is unrestricted. Ahsan Awan can be found on X as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi. American Presswire can be found on X as @ampresswire and on Instagram as @ampresswire.