USWNT opens 2026 with a 6–0 rout of Paraguay as Rodman captains and scores

The U.S. Women’s National Team began its 2026 slate with an emphatic 6–0 friendly victory over Paraguay in Carson, California, using the match to blend emerging talent with returning starters. The performance offered an early snapshot of the program’s depth as the team builds toward future competitive tournaments.

Trinity Rodman drew attention not only for her goal but for wearing the captain’s armband, a milestone that underscored her growing leadership role. The match also featured a strong contribution from Ally Sentnor, who scored twice, while other goals came from Reilyn Turner and Emma Sears along with a Paraguay own goal.

From the opening minutes, the U.S. pressed high and controlled possession, pinning Paraguay deep and generating repeated chances through wide play and quick combinations near the top of the box. The tempo and spacing created opportunities for both first-time contributors and more experienced attackers to get into scoring positions.

Coaching staff treated the game as both a result and an evaluation tool. Rotations and substitutions provided minutes to players competing for larger roles, and the team’s structure—especially off the ball—was a key focus as the program continues to refine its identity under its current leadership.

The dominant scoreline will be taken in context, given the nature of a January friendly, but the larger takeaway is the breadth of scoring sources and the visible confidence of young players stepping into major minutes. For the U.S., early-season matches like this are as much about building chemistry as they are about the final result.