USWNT defender Crystal Dunn battles Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas during the 2020 SheBelieves Cup on March 8. (Photo Credit: The Equalizer)
The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is set to host reigning World Cup champions Spain for a pair of friendly matches in October, as announced on Monday. The first clash will take place on October 10 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., followed by the second match on October 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
At Audi Field, the iconic USWNT defender Crystal Dunn will be honored before the match. Dunn made her mark in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), earning the MVP award while playing for the Washington Spirit in 2015. Over her international career from 2013 to 2025, she amassed 160 caps, scored 25 goals, and provided 20 assists. Dunn’s accolades include a FIFA Women’s World Cup title in 2019 and Olympic gold medals from 2024 and bronze in 2020, underlining her significant contributions to U.S. football. Special edition commemorative bobbleheads will be available for the first 2,000 fans attending the event.
The upcoming fixtures against Spain mark the USWNT’s first matches in over four months following a break in play after their June games in Brazil. The two teams have faced off just four times since 2019, with the Americans winning the first three encounters, pivotal to their success in clinching the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, Spain turned the tide in their latest meeting in 2022 and went on to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, positioning them as formidable opponents for USWNT head coach Emma Hayes as the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup approach.
“These two matches present another excellent opportunity for us,” said Hayes. “We’ve been eager to schedule Spain for a while, but coordinating matches with top teams during the women’s international calendar can be challenging. Playing these games on the East Coast will serve as a vital test ahead of World Cup qualifying later this year.”
Spain’s participation in these friendlies follows their success in topping their UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifying group, which secured their direct qualification. The Spanish squad achieved significant victories, including a dominant 4-0 win over England, the 2025 EURO champions, and a decisive 6-1 victory against Iceland, reinforcing their status as one of the top teams in women’s football.
As the USWNT prepares for these matches, fans and players alike are looking forward to an intense display of skill and determination on the pitch. The games will not only serve as a benchmark for the U.S. team but also as a celebration of women’s football and its growing prominence on the global stage.
