Part of the plan' - Why the USWNT see Spain's harsh lessons as a necessary step on the road to the 2027 World Cup

Emma Hayes said Spain was scheduled to be a measuring stick for the U.S. Women’s National Team, and the reigning World Cup champions delivered a sharp lesson quickly. In the first of two friendlies, Spain scored twice early and held off an improved U.S. effort to win 2-0 before a sellout crowd of 19,220 at Audi Field. Hayes acknowledged defensive issues and late withdrawals that disrupted the backline, but Spain punished breakdowns: Patri Guijarro struck in the third minute and Eva Navarro doubled the lead 11 minutes later. The U.S. finished with 13 shots, including 10 on target, yet couldn’t convert. Hayes said the gap may be smaller than three years ago, stressing execution as the remaining step toward the 2027 World Cup.