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

The U.S. Women’s National Team launched its 2026 calendar with a decisive 6–0 win over Paraguay in a friendly at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match served as both a statement performance and an early-year evaluation opportunity, with head coach Emma Hayes using the January camp window to test combinations, reward form, and broaden the competitive pool ahead of major tournaments and qualification cycles.

Trinity Rodman, returning after an injury-disrupted stretch, captained the side and scored, underlining her growing leadership role within a team that is balancing experienced stars with a new wave of talent. The U.S. controlled the game territorially and statistically, limiting Paraguay’s chances while generating repeated pressure through wide play, quick second-half tempo, and a willingness to shoot early in possessions.

The scoring opened late in the first half when Reilyn Turner, making her debut, got on the board just before the break—an ideal moment that shifted the game’s rhythm. After halftime, the U.S. surged. Ally Sentnor struck twice, and additional goals—including an own goal—pushed the match into runaway territory. The lopsided scoreline reflected not only skill gaps but also the U.S. team’s ability to stay patient, keep pressing, and convert chances once the breakthrough arrived.

The friendly also functioned as a cultural marker for the program, with attention given to roster evolution and the competitive environment Hayes is building. A youth-forward camp can be messy early, especially with new partnerships and first caps, but the U.S. ultimately settled into a rhythm that showcased depth at multiple positions and a willingness to rotate without losing attacking intent.

For the USWNT, the main takeaway is less about the opponent and more about internal progress: players pushing for roles, leaders reasserting themselves, and a team identity that can handle both experimentation and dominance. The staff’s next challenge will be translating the energy and execution from this opener into tougher matchups where margins are smaller, defensive lines are deeper, and the game demands both creativity and control for 90 minutes.