USWNT opens 2026 with a 6-0 friendly win over Paraguay as new faces shine and Rodman returns
The U.S. women began the year with a dominant friendly in Carson, California, featuring a debut goal from Reilyn Turner, a two-goal performance from Ally Sentnor, and a return-to-action score from Trinity Rodman as the team begins building toward major tournaments ahead.
A statement start to 2026
The U.S. Women’s National Team opened its 2026 schedule with an emphatic 6-0 win over Paraguay in a friendly at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match served as an early checkpoint for roster depth and tactical balance, as the team blended established players with newer contributors. The U.S. controlled possession and created a steady stream of chances, turning the game into a showcase of finishing and attacking movement.
Reilyn Turner scored in her first international start, giving the U.S. a lead before halftime and settling any early nerves. After the break, the attack accelerated. Ally Sentnor scored twice, while Trinity Rodman—returning from injury—also found the net and wore the captain’s armband, a notable marker of her growing role. Additional goals, including an own goal and a finish from Emma Sears, rounded out the lopsided scoreline.
Why this friendly matters
Friendlies in the early calendar are often used to evaluate combinations and accelerate player integration, especially as squads cycle through retirements, injuries, and emerging talent. This match highlighted multiple selection questions at once: how quickly new players can contribute in the final third, who provides leadership during transitional moments, and how the team manages tempo and pressing against different opponent styles.
The result also offers a baseline for what the coaching staff will prioritize in the next set of matches. A dominant performance can mask weaknesses, so the staff will likely focus on details such as defensive spacing, chance quality, and how midfield rotations hold up against stronger opposition. With bigger competitions on the horizon, these early reps are about building repeatable patterns rather than simply collecting large scorelines.
Next steps
- Evaluating whether Turner and Sentnor can replicate impact against higher-ranked opponents.
- Monitoring Rodman’s fitness and minutes as she returns from injury.
- Testing tactical variations and lineup depth as the schedule ramps up.