USWNT opens 2026 with 6–0 win over Paraguay as Trinity Rodman captains and scores
The U.S. women’s national team began its 2026 schedule with a dominant friendly victory over Paraguay in Carson, California. Trinity Rodman captained the side, scored, and helped drive a second-half surge as several younger players made an immediate impact.
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A statement performance to start the year
The U.S. Women’s National Team opened its 2026 calendar with a commanding 6–0 friendly win over Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, according to reporting published January 24, 2026. The match showcased a blend of established talent and emerging contributors, with the U.S. controlling possession and generating chances throughout.
Trinity Rodman wore the captain’s armband and scored as the Americans pulled away, turning steady first-half pressure into a decisive second-half burst. The friendly also offered a valuable test environment for coaching staff to evaluate combinations during a January camp window that often features experimentation, roster rotation, and minutes for new or less-capped players.
Goals and key contributors
Reilyn Turner opened the scoring just before halftime, and the U.S. piled on goals after the break. Ally Sentnor scored twice, Rodman added a goal, and the scoring was rounded out by additional U.S. pressure that forced defensive errors. Beyond the goals, the match was notable for the energy and directness of younger attackers, who consistently broke lines and forced Paraguay into deep defending.
What it signals for the cycle ahead
While a January friendly does not predict outcomes against top opponents, a lopsided result can still be meaningful: it shows baseline fitness, chance creation, and how quickly new players can execute roles. For Rodman, captaining and scoring underscores her growing importance to the squad’s leadership and attacking identity.
The U.S. will use the next set of matches to continue evaluating depth, particularly in forward rotation and midfield balance, as preparations intensify for upcoming competitions later in 2026 and qualification pathways beyond.