The world No. 2 USWNT opened their 2026 SheBelieves Cup campaign with a win, taking down No. 30 Argentina 2-0 in a chippy showdown on Sunday night.
Captain Lindsey Heaps opened the scoring with a long-range strike in the first half, before forward Jaedyn Shaw sealed the deal in the second half.
The USWNT also saw goals from forward Jameese Joseph and attacker Ally Sentnor reversed on tight offside calls, adding to the tension already in play on the Nashville pitch.
The evening's physicality came to a head after final whistle, when US star forward Trinity Rodman suffered an apparent knock to her back in stoppage time.
"This is what tournament football is," USWNT manager Emma Hayes said postgame, emphasizing the SheBelieves Cup's value as a group-stage simulation where emotions run high. "Provocation's gonna happen with different types of opponents. How you handle that, for me, is a testament."
"We want these opportunities," she continued. "If we were seeking perfection, then I might be approaching something differently, but I'm here to develop a whole squad to be ready for these situations."
How to watch the USWNT in the 2026 SheBelieves Cup
The 2026 SheBelieves Cup next travels to Columbus, Ohio, where the No. 2 USWNT will kick off against North American rival No. 10 Canada at 6:45 PM ET on Wednesday, airing live on TNT.
The world No. 2 USWNT retakes the pitch on Sunday, opening the 2026 SheBelieves Cup against No. 30 Argentina as the US looks to take back its tournament crown.
The USWNT already made two defensive replacements to the SheBelieves roster in training camp this week, with Avery Patterson taking over for Kate Wiesner due to a calf issue while a hamstring knock saw Jordyn Bugg swapped out for Emily Sams.
Despite the changes, US manager Emma Hayes remains focused on honing roster stability, entering the three-game round-robin tournament armed with both NWSL stars and European standouts.
The US has never lost or even drawn Argentina, holding an all-time record of six wins over La Albiceleste while tallying 35 straight goals against the Latin American squad since their first meeting in 1998.
That said, the USWNT still has something to prove, as the team looks to return to the top of the SheBelieves podium after No. 8 Japan snapped its five-tournament winning streak last year.
There are slight shifts to the annual competition this year, however, with US Soccer allowing the four participating teams to name their 23-player game-day lineups from their larger training camp pools.
The federation also enacted a format change that will see any tied match go directly to penalty kicks, with teams winning in regulation awarded three points, penalty-kick winners earning two points, and shootout losers taking one point in the race to claim the most total points and win the tournament.
How to watch the USWNT vs. Argentina at the 2026 SheBelieves Cup
The No. 2 USWNT welcomes No. 30 Argentina to Nashville for their first match of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup on Sunday.
The clash kicks off live at 5 PM ET on TNT.
The No. 2 USWNT is stacking their 2026 dance card, as US Soccer announced three spring friendlies against No. 8 Japan on Saturday.
The series will kick off in San Jose, California, on Saturday, April 11th, before moving to Seattle on Tuesday, April 14th, with the teams closing out the trio of friendlies in Commerce City, Colorado, on Friday, April 17th.
"Playing the same opponent three times is unusual but it presents a great challenge and a chance to test ourselves against a top-quality opponent," said USWNT manager Emma Hayes in the federation's Saturday statement.
The friendlies will follow the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, with the US set to face No. 30 Argentina, No. 10 Canada, and No. 20 Colombia starting on Sunday, March 1st.
The USWNT last met Japan at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup Final in San Diego, with the Nadeshiko beating the tournament hosts 2-1 — the second Japan victory over the US in their 42 all-time meetings.
"Japan is one of the best teams in the world," Hayes continued. "I'm a big admirer of how they play and I have tremendous respect for their team."
Notably, April's second friendly will see the USWNT return to Seattle for the first time since 2017, with Lumen Field swapping artificial turf for natural grass ahead of this summer's 2026 Men's World Cup.
How to buy tickets to USWNT vs. Japan friendlies
While ticket presales began on Monday morning, general sales for all three April friendlies will begin at 10 AM local venue time on Thursday.
The USWNT set the 2026 SheBelieves Cup scene this week, announcing the annual friendly tournament's full four-team field as well as scheduling details ahead of its 11th iteration.
The world No. 2 US will host No. 30 Argentina in Nashville, Tennessee, No. 10 Canada in Columbus, Ohio, and No. 20 Colombia in Harrison, New Jersey, this March as they continue to hone their roster ahead of November's World Cup-qualifying Concacaf W Championship.
"These are three teams that will likely be in the World Cup in 2027, and of course we'll likely see Canada in World Cup qualifying at the end of the year," said US manager Emma Hayes in Wednesday's press release. "Focusing on our continued preparations and growth as a team, the SheBelieves Cup is of great value."
The grand finale of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup will also double as a retirement tribute, with the USWNT set to hold a pre-match ceremony honoring legendary forward Tobin Heath in her home state of New Jersey.
Heath earned 181 caps for the US from 2008 to 2021, scoring 36 goals while picking up two World Cup wins (2015, 2019) and two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012).
The USWNT will drop its January camp roster on Thursday, tapping the lineup that will contend in two international friendlies against No. 46 Paraguay and No. 47 Chile at the end of the month.
How to attend the 2026 SheBelieves Cup
A myriad of presales for the annual tournament kick off on Thursday, with all tickets going on sale at 10 AM local venue time on Monday.
Fans can snag seats to all SheBelieves matches at USSoccer.com.
World No. 18 Colombia secured their spot in the 2025 Copa América final on Monday night, when Las Cafeteras bested No. 32 Argentina in a penalty shootout to take the first of the continental tournament's two semifinals.
Despite dominating in both possession and attacking opportunities, Colombia failed to break through in regulation time, ending the Copa semifinal in a 0-0 stalemate.
However, the 2022 runners-up showed confidence from the spot, securing the victory with a narrow 5-4 penalty differential after six shootout rounds.
"We are finalists and we qualified for the Olympics in Los Angeles, that was our objective," said Colombia goalkeeper Katherine Tapia after the win. "We are prepared for the Final."
With Colombia hunting a first-ever Copa title in their fourth trip to the tournament's finale, they will either face underdog No. 63 Uruguay or reigning champions No. 4 Brazil in Saturday's 2025 title match.
Should Brazil soccer legend Marta and the rest of her team continue their run to a fifth straight — and ninth overall — Conmebol trophy, Colombia would find themselves facing As Canarinhas for a competition record-tying fourth time in the Copa América final.
On the other hand, a Uruguay semifinal victory over Brazil would set up the first-ever Copa América finale to not feature the continental powerhouse.
How to watch Brazil vs. Uruguay in the Copa América semifinal
Defending champ Brazil will take on Uruguay in the second Copa América semifinal at 8 PM ET on Tuesday, as each team aims for a spot against Colombia in Saturday's 5 PM ET tournament final.
Tuesday's semifinal will air live on FS1.
In today’s episode of the Late Sub, host Claire Watkins wraps up the USWNT's October window with a look at the team’s 3-0 win over Argentina, from how rotation became the US’s strength to center back Naomi Girma's unparalleled ability to do it all.
Then, Watkins refocuses on the NWSL, where six of the league's 14 clubs will complete their 2024 seasons this weekend. First, however, the league will determine the eight playoff teams, pulling from a postseason race that could come down to Sunday's final regular-season match.
The Late Sub with Claire Watkins brings you the latest news and freshest takes in women’s sports. This is the weekly rundown you’ve been missing, covering the USWNT, NWSL, WNBA, college hoops, and whatever else is popping off in women’s sports each week. Special guest appearances with the biggest names in women’s sports make The Late Sub a must-listen for every fan. Follow Claire on X/Twitter @ScoutRipley and subscribe to the Just Women’s Sports newsletter for more.
Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode.
The top-ranked USWNT will play their third and final friendly of the October international break against world No. 33 Argentina in Louisville on Wednesday night — likely with few new faces in the mix.
Head coach Emma Hayes told reporters that she will not play anyone with a regular-season NWSL match scheduled for Friday except Rose Lavelle, who will celebrate her 100th USWNT cap in Wednesday's pre-match ceremony.
"This was the game [Lavelle] chose and for that reason she's starting," explained Hayes. "I'll probably only play Rose for 45 minutes just because I know how important and valuable she is for Gotham."
Lavelle, a Cincinnati product, likely picked Wednesday's friendly for her celebration due to Louisville's close proximity to her hometown.
Resting veterans means more minutes for USWNT newcomers
Coming off two productive 3-1 wins over No. 13 Iceland, fitness is front-of-mind for Hayes with NWSL playoffs approaching and the European season — where four of this camp's athletes play — in full swing.
"I presented to the [club] head coaches in advance of this camp, saying that no player would play in more than two full games," Hayes said.
Since the NWSL's Utah Royals, Gotham FC, Portland Thorns, and Angel City FC all play on Friday, nine of the UWSNT's 26 October camp athletes are unavailable to take Wednesday's pitch. Four of those players are forwards, leaving Hayes only Mal Swanson, Jaedyn Shaw, and Emma Sears up top, unless the US boss rotates athletes in from another position.
In prioritizing rest, Hayes's self-imposed roster limitations could result in more first caps. Both PSG center back Eva Gaetino and Bay FC left back Alyssa Malonson are awaiting their first USWNT minutes.
Other players who have yet to appear during this international window include NC Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez and KC Current defender Hailie Mace.
Young Argentina team aims for first win against USWNT
Like Hayes, Argentina head coach Germán Portanova stacked his 20-player roster with young talent, including four teenagers. The only Argentinian athlete with more than 50 caps is defender Aldana Cometti, and 14 players have less than 20 caps.
That young roster will take aim at the country's first-ever result against the USWNT, who has won all five previous meetings by outscoring Argentina 32-1. The pair's last meeting came on February 23rd in group play of the inaugural Concacaf W Gold Cup, where the US defeated Argentina 4-0.
Hoping to quiet the US attack, Portanova packed his team with nine defenders for Wednesday's game. As a result, Hayes told the press that she anticipates a low-block from La Albiceleste and that she'll "be curious to see how we handle that," particularly as the team has been working on decision-making and finishing in the final third throughout this training camp.
U-17 USWNT races to World Cup semis
Airing on FS1 at the same time as the senior national team's battle with Argentina, the U-17 USWNT will take on Korea DPR in their first U-17 World Cup semifinal since 2008.
The team has battled North Korea three times in U-17 World Cup history, most notably in the 2008 final when Korea DPR staged a come-from-behind, extra-time 2-1 win to become World Cup champs.
This time out, the US will rely on their sturdy defense, which has already pulled off three straight clean sheets, setting a new U-17 USWNT World Cup record.
How to watch the USWNT vs. Argentina international friendly
The friendly between the No. 1 USWNT and No. 33 Argentina will kick off on Wednesday at 7 PM ET, with live coverage on TNT.
The US will close out the year with with a European tour, making tonight's match their last 2024 tilt on home soil.
USWNT manager Emma Hayes announced the roster for three upcoming October friendlies against world No. 13 Iceland and No. 33 Argentina on Thursday, tapping both new and familiar faces for the No. 1 US squad.
To provide more opportunities and to manage minutes and rest, Hayes increased the training camp to 26 players, though only 23 will dress for each friendly.
With this international window functioning as the team's Olympic gold medal victory tour, every 2024 Olympian automatically earned a roster call-up.
Of the 22 Paris Games players, 18 feature on the October roster. Missing stars Tierna Davidson, Trinity Rodman, and Croix Bethune are currently sidelined with injury, while Crystal Dunn is out with a personal commitment.
Hayes eyes USWNT's future with fresh faces
Youth is the name of the USWNT's October roster game. Just five players are at least 30 years old, three are still teenagers, and 14 have less than 20 senior team appearances. Six have yet to log time in a senior national team match.
The tactical Hayes, whose gold-medal victory was only her 10th match at the USWNT's helm, is known for planning ahead. In line with that, her choice to leverage this trio of friendlies to give potential 2027 World Cup players international experience is unsurprising.
With a "futures camp" already on the books to run concurrently with January's senior team camp, Hayes aims to identify even more top players in the USWNT's pipeline.
Club play is paramount in USWNT camp invites
Hayes's recent NWSL tour is reflected in her October roster. After impressing in NWSL play this season, three players — defender Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC) and forwards Yazmeen Ryan (Gotham) and Emma Sears (Louisville) — earned their first call-ups.
"The new players coming into camp that weren't part of the Olympic roster are all players who have performed well throughout the NWSL season," Hayes commented on Thursday.
"The importance of what you're doing week in, week out, at the club level, it absolutely matters because you have to perform consistently, or you have to be in environments where you're challenging yourselves every day. That's the big message for me."
Consistently stellar NWSL performances are also why NC Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez and her 2023 World Cup teammate Alyssa Thompson will return to camp after both failed to make the Olympic cut.
Thompson, in particular, has found her stride with Angel City in recent months. After a goal-scoring drought in the first half of the NWSL season, the 19-year-old forward has notched five goals and one assist over her last eight matches.
Ultimately, this roster — and likely, Hayes's future training camp selections — is a mining mission to find the cream of the incredibly deep US crop of talent.
"I say it privately more than I do publicly," explained the USWNT boss. "The US could quite easily put two teams out."
October's USWNT roster
- Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Casey Murphy (NC Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
- Defenders: Emily Fox (Arsenal), Eva Gaetino (Paris Saint-Germain), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Hailie Mace (KC Current), Alyssa Malonson (Bay FC), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham FC), Emily Sams (Orland Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)
- Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Ashley Sanchez (NC Courage)
- Forwards: Yazmeen Ryan (Gotham FC), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City), Lynn Williams (Gotham FC)
How to watch the USWNT's October friendlies
The USWNT will play twice against Iceland, first in Austin, Texas, on October 24th at 7:30 PM ET, airing on TBS.
Their second match, featuring celebrations for retiring defender Kelley O'Hara and forward Mal Swanson's 100 caps, will take place in Nashville, Tennessee, on October 27th at 5:30 PM ET. Live coverage will air on TNT.
The USWNT will close this international window in Louisville, Kentucky, against Argentina on October 30th. After honoring midfielder Rose Lavelle for her 100th USWNT appearance, the match will kick off at 7 PM ET, also on TNT.
Argentina women's national football team starting goalkeeper Laurina Oliveros, defender Julieta Cruz, and midfielder Lorena Benítez have officially left the team after a dispute over a lack of pay and conditions.
The news comes while the team is away at training camp during the FIFA international window. Argentina is scheduled to play two international friendlies at home against Costa Rica on May 31st and June 3rd — matches that Argentina's soccer association is refusing to pay its players for, according to Cruz and Benítez.
"We reached a point in which we are tired of the injustices, of not being valued, not being heard and, even worse, being humiliated," Cruz, a defender, wrote in an Instagram post published early this week. "We need improvements for Argentina's women's soccer national team, and I am not only talking about finances. I speak about training, having lunch, breakfast."
Argentina qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, but failed to make it out of the group stage after losing to Italy and Sweden and drawing with South Africa. That stands in stark contrast to the men’s team, which won the 2022 FIFA World Cup behind star forward Lionel Messi.
In her own Instagram post, Benítez alleged that players were provided only a ham and cheese sandwich and a banana as food during training camp, and that their families were being charged 5,000 pesos per ticket to see them compete against Costa Rica.
"And so millions of things we've been through, being FOOLED over and over again," Benítez added.
Goalkeeper Oliveros’s message was more concise than her teammates: "My wish for this year and the following? That generations to come may enjoy and be happy running behind the round, as perhaps at some point we were."
Just Women’s Sports is here with your daily World Cup Digest, breaking down all of the biggest storylines from each day of action in Australia and New Zealand.
Today’s top World Cup news: Marta’s sixth World Cup ends in group stage
A legendary World Cup career came to an end Wednesday, as Marta and Brazil bowed out in the group stage in a scoreless draw with Jamaica. She leaves her final World Cup as the top goalscorer in tournament history.
Marta nearly added another Wednesday in her first start of the tournament for Brazil. She came inches from finding the back of the net in the fifth minute.
Marta comes this close to finding the opener 👀🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/u3JK70bUMg
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 2, 2023
Ultimately, though, Brazil fell short, marking the first time since 1995 that the team has failed to advance out of the group stage. In contrast, Jamaica earned its first trip to the knockout rounds. Marta and Jamaica’s Khadija “Bunny” Shaw shared a moment after the match in a symbolic passing of the guard.
Marta and Bunny Shaw share a moment after the match ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LIkNYN4oun
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 2, 2023
And Marta herself issued a call to action in a passionate postgame interview.
“Continue supporting women’s football,” she said. “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play in another World Cup… Hugely grateful. … But for (my teammates) it’s not over, for Brazil and the world, continue to support. For Marta, that is the last World Cup. For me, that is the end, but it’s just the beginning for the others.”
The 37-year-old forward won’t be retiring from the game just yet, but ahead of the tournament she said that “we have to understand that a time comes for us to prioritize other things.”
She not only stands as the top goalscorer in tournament history but also the first player to score in five consecutive World Cups, though she did not score in this one.
“I knew that she was big, she’s a famous player,” Brazil coach Pia Sundhage had said before the game. “[But I] couldn’t even imagine how big she is in Brazil. … I get very emotional just being around such a good player. Not only what she’s going to do tomorrow, but what she’s done for so many years and been a fantastic role model.”
Today’s top highlight: Bunny Shaw and Jamaica celebrate knockout round berth
After crowdfunding their way to the World Cup, Jamaica will advance to the knockout rounds for the first time. The unforgettable moment was celebrated by the players and coaches after Wednesday’s draw with Brazil to close out the group stage.
“This is one of the best days I’ve ever had in my life,” Jamaica coach Lorne Donaldson said. “To see a country like Jamaica be able to do this, it’s unbelievable. The girls are doing it for the country, the country should be proud.
“We had resilience, fight. We are going into a war and we need to be ready,” he added. “And it was a war, and we stayed in the battle.”
BUNNY SHAW AND JAMAICA DESERVE TO CELEBRATE 🇯🇲 pic.twitter.com/C2KJfsTUGL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 2, 2023
Today’s results:
- Sweden 2, Argentina 0
- South Africa 3, Italy 2
- France 6, Panama 3
- Jamaica 0, Brazil 0
More World Cup news to know:
- Marta Cox scored first against France on a banger, but it didn’t take long for Les Bleues to get going – particularly Kadidiatou Diani, who notched a hat trick for her first goals of the tournament. In the end, France put up six goals despite resting some of their big-name players.
- The USWNT will face Sweden, which won Group G and maintained its perfect World Cup record with a 2-0 win over Argentina. The last time these two teams met resulted in a 3-0 loss for the USWNT at the Tokyo Olympics. Still, World Cup history favors the USWNT, which holds a 4-1-1 record against Sweden in World Cup competition.