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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Sport
Ella Brockway at Audi Field

USWNT exposed by ruthless Spain as early goals settle heavyweight friendly

Emma Hayes Spain Sophia Wilson United States Lily Yohannes Alyssa Thompson Ashley Sanchez Mallory Swanson Rose Lavelle Fifa
USA midfielder Lindsey Heaps challenges Spain’s Eva Navarro for the ball during Saturday’s international friendly at Audi Field in Washington DC.
USA midfielder Lindsey Heaps challenges Spain’s Eva Navarro for the ball during Saturday’s international friendly at Audi Field in Washington DC. Photograph: Patrick Smith/Getty Images

In less than a year’s time, the United States and Spain will almost certainly arrive in Brazil as the top two contenders to win the Women’s World Cup. Spain, holders of the top spot in Fifa’s rankings for the past 60 weeks, are the defending champions; the second-ranked US won gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

This month’s pair of friendlies between the two sides are taking place with caveats. Both sides are missing several of their most important players to injuries. The opening match in Brazil is 258 days away. Spain have booked their place, but the US still have to actually qualify for the World Cup, through a regional tournament that begins next month.

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