USWNT opens 2026 with 6–0 win over Paraguay as new faces impress

The U.S. Women’s National Team opened its 2026 season with a commanding 6–0 friendly victory over Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match served as an early-year checkpoint for squad depth, with several newer players taking on meaningful roles while established names provided tempo and leadership in a one-sided contest.

The scoring began just before halftime, and the U.S. accelerated after the break, turning control into goals with quick combinations and sustained pressure in the final third. The performance highlighted a familiar USWNT identity—aggressive pressing, wide attacking lanes, and a willingness to attack the box with numbers—while also offering a glimpse into how the team may be reshaped over the cycle.

A notable storyline was the return of Trinity Rodman from injury and her role in the match’s leadership structure, a signal that coaches continue to evaluate how the next generation will carry responsibility. The team also included players making early statements for greater minutes this year, using the friendly to show they can translate domestic form to the international level.

Beyond the scoreboard, the match functioned as part of a longer preparation plan, with additional friendlies on the calendar and a focus on building chemistry across lines. These early games allow the staff to test different pairings, evaluate finishing consistency, and examine how the midfield balances ball progression with defensive coverage against teams that defend deep.

For the U.S., the result is less about January bragging rights and more about building a reliable rotation that can handle a packed year. With regional competition ahead and an eye toward future qualification demands, the USWNT’s opening statement—six goals, clean sheet, and strong contributions from emerging players—sets a positive tone for the months to come.