USWNT opens 2026 with a 6–0 friendly win over Paraguay as new faces shine
The U.S. women’s national team started the year with a decisive win, featuring goals from emerging players and a high-profile return for Trinity Rodman.
A fast start to the year in Carson, California
The United States Women’s National Team kicked off its 2026 schedule with an emphatic 6–0 victory over Paraguay in a friendly on January 25, 2026 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match served as an early look at depth and development as the program builds toward major competitions later in the year, while also giving new and returning players a prominent platform.
Reilyn Turner opened the scoring late in the first half in what was described as her first international appearance and start. After the break, the U.S. attack accelerated, with Ally Sentnor scoring twice as the Americans pulled away. The performance reflected the team’s ability to generate repeated chances through sustained possession, quick switches of play and aggressive counter-pressing after turnovers.
Trinity Rodman’s return added another storyline, with the forward also captaining the side for the first time and getting on the scoresheet before being substituted. For a team balancing immediate results with longer-term roster planning, Rodman’s presence underscored how established stars can coexist with emerging contributors in a competitive player pool.
Additional goals came through Emma Sears and an own goal credited to Paraguay, rounding out a scoreline that matched the U.S. dominance in possession and shot volume. Friendlies can be imperfect measures, but the coaching staff typically uses them to assess chemistry, positional flexibility and how new players respond to international tempo.
Beyond the result, the match was framed as part of a broader ramp-up, with upcoming fixtures planned against other opponents later in the spring. The early-season window also allows players to stake claims for future rosters, particularly in attacking roles where finishing, movement and decision-making in the final third often separate contenders from depth options.
For Paraguay, the match offered a benchmark against elite competition and a chance to identify areas to strengthen—especially in defensive organization and transitions—before higher-stakes qualifiers. For the U.S., the takeaway was clear: the program’s next wave can contribute immediately when given opportunities on a big stage.