This April, the U.S. Women’s National Team will return to the field with three games against their longtime adversary, Japan, amidst FIFA events. The matches are set to take place on April 11 at PayPal Park in San Jose, April 14 at Lumen Field in Seattle, and April 17 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, presenting the USWNT with a challenging test against one of the world’s elite teams.
Renewed Historic Rivalry
This April, the U.S. Women’s National Team will engage in a three-match series against Japan, reviving a celebrated rivalry in women’s soccer. Historically, the U.S. holds a dominant record against Japan with 32 wins, 2 losses, and 8 draws. The two teams have clashed in major finals multiple times in the 2010s, including Japan’s penalty shootout victory at the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and U.S. victories at the 2012 Olympics and the 2015 World Cup. Most recently, in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Olympics, Trinity Rodman secured a 1-0 win for the U.S. in overtime.
MLS and NWSL Stadiums
All matches will be held at the home venues of National Women’s Soccer League teams, where PayPal Park hosts Bay FC, Lumen Field hosts Seattle Reign FC, and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is home to Denver Summit in their first season. The game in Commerce City represents a significant event for Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, which will also see USWNT action within the inaugural season of the expansion Denver Summit. The team recently secured the signing of U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps, who is anticipated to join the club this summer.
These venues are also home to Major League Soccer clubs like the San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, and Colorado Rapids, all of whom have secured MLS Cup championships.
What Hayes Said
Hayes expressed enthusiasm for the USWNT’s match-up against Japan, despite the unique circumstances of playing the same team thrice.
“Japan is one of the top teams globally,” Hayes remarked. “I have immense respect for their gameplay and overall team ethic. They have a seasoned squad committed to their football philosophy. While it’s unusual to compete against the same opponent multiple times, it presents a significant opportunity to challenge ourselves against elite competition.”
What’s Next for the USWNT?
The U.S. team will travel to Santa Barbara, California, on January 27 to face Chile in the second of two friendlies this January.
Fan Take: This upcoming series against Japan not only revives a historic rivalry but also presents an invaluable opportunity for the USWNT to test their skills against one of the best teams globally. Such high-stakes matches play a crucial role in elevating women’s soccer and enhancing the competitive spirit in international tournaments.
