USWNT opens 2026 with 6–0 friendly win over Paraguay as new faces shine
The U.S. women’s national team started its 2026 schedule with a dominant performance, featuring goals from emerging players and a notable return to form for a key attacker.
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A fast start to the year
The United States women’s national team began its 2026 calendar with a commanding 6–0 friendly win over Paraguay in Carson, California. The match offered an early look at the team’s evolving roster, blending established stars with younger players competing for bigger roles ahead of major upcoming tournaments.
After a controlled first half, the U.S. opened the scoring just before the break and then surged after halftime. The second half featured a rapid sequence of chances and goals, reflecting both a wide talent gap and an emphasis on aggressive pressing and fast ball movement that overwhelmed Paraguay’s defensive shape.
For the U.S., early-season friendlies aren’t only about the scoreline—they’re a lab for leadership, chemistry, and depth.
Standout performances
Several attacking players stood out, including a newcomer who scored in her first international start and another young attacker who found the net twice. The match also marked a high-profile return from injury for a key U.S. forward, who wore the captain’s armband and added a goal in a performance that signaled readiness for a larger leadership role.
Beyond the goals, the team’s control of possession and shot volume underlined the overall dominance. Coaches often use these windows to evaluate decision-making under low pressure—how quickly players recognize patterns, how well they execute combinations, and whether they maintain defensive discipline when the opponent is pinned deep.
Why it matters
With important competitions ahead, the U.S. is using the opening months of 2026 to build continuity and expand depth. A strong team performance against Paraguay supports the broader objective: creating a roster with multiple reliable scoring options and enough flexibility to adjust tactics depending on the opponent.
The next matches will provide a tougher test and a clearer signal of how quickly this group can translate dominance against overmatched teams into consistent results against elite international opponents.