The schedule for the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2025 is wrapping up this week. Under head coach Emma Hayes, the team embraced a year of strategic experimentation and rotation, leaving one last camp and two matches for evaluation.
With an emphasis on broadening the roster and instilling core principles among less seasoned players, the team has gathered valuable insights over the year. Heading into their consecutive games against Italy, the U.S. holds a record of 10 wins, 3 losses, and no draws. Their losses came from Brazil, Portugal, and Japan, and they are keen to keep this year’s losses below four, a feat not achieved since 2001.
It has been nearly 15 years since the U.S. last played Italy. Despite having a favorable record of 11 wins, 1 loss, and 4 draws against them, the Italian team is coming off a strong performance, having reached the semifinals of the 2025 UEFA EURO.
Here’s how to catch the upcoming matches:
How to watch USWNT vs. Italy
Date: Friday, November 28 | Time: 7 PM ET
Location: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
Broadcast: TNT
Wrap-up of the fall season
The USWNT concluded their fall season in October with three matches, including an unexpected defeat to Portugal, a rematch for redemption, and a significant loss to New Zealand. This friendly marked their first game since July, having been away from play for 113 days, which understandably led to some rustiness. Coach Hayes and her team recognized the need to improve after a less-than-ideal first half, and by the final period, decisions were becoming more challenging as they look forward.
As they prepare for the last international slot of the year, the coaching staff is focused on strategic roster selections for future camps with an eye on qualifying for the region’s World Cup in November 2026.
Final roster announcement
Before the game against Italy, Coach Hayes announced a 26-player roster. This squad features a mix of experienced veterans, returning familiar names, and exciting young prospects.
Defender Naomi Girma from Chelsea FC is back in the fold after recovering from a calf injury. Veteran Rose Lavelle will also join the camp right after celebrating her victory at the 2025 NWSL Championship alongside Gotham FC teammates Lily Leal, Emily Sonnett, Jadyn Shaw, and Jaelynn Howell. Kate Wiesner and Croix Bethune represented the Washington Spirit as runners-up.
Continuing her trend, Hayes included several players receiving their first call-ups, such as Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz, filling in for Fallon Tallis-Joyce, who is sidelined due to an eye injury. Forward Jameis Joseph from the Chicago Stars has also been promoted to the first team following a successful year with the U-23 squad.
Jaelyn Howell’s return after three years
Midfielder Jaelyn Howell is making her USWNT return for the first time since October 2022. After a successful season with Gotham FC, capped by winning the NWSL Championship, Howell, a two-time Mac Hermann Trophy recipient, is eager to showcase her talent once again. Drafted second overall out of Florida State University, she has battled injuries early in her professional career, which sidelined her from both club and national play. Now, in her fourth NWSL season, she is leading her team in recoveries, tackles, and interceptions, and has marked an impressive comeback.
Howell credits her transformation as a player to the guidance of seasoned teammates like Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett. “I always knew she was a phenomenal player, but learning from her is a game-changer for my career,” Howell shared with CBS Sports.
A test against Italy
The upcoming match against Italy, a formidable European opponent, will serve as a key indicator of USWNT’s development. Currently ranked 12th by FIFA, Italy’s commendable journey to the UEFA Women’s Euro semi-finals reflects their growth, but they face a tough challenge against the dynamic USWNT under head coach Andrea Sonsin.
Fan Take: This upcoming match carries significant weight for the USWNT as it not only reflects their ongoing development but also tests their mettle against a rising European power. A strong performance could signal a bright future leading into the World Cup qualifiers, solidifying the U.S.’s place in women’s soccer’s elite ranks.
