USWNT opens 2026 with 6-0 rout of Paraguay as Rodman captains and young attackers shine

The U.S. Women’s National Team launched its 2026 schedule with a commanding 6-0 friendly win over Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, using the match to showcase a youthful group and to reintroduce key talents returning to the lineup.

Reilyn Turner opened the scoring just before halftime in her first international start, giving the U.S. a foothold that quickly turned into a surge after the break. The second half became a statement of depth and attacking variety as the Americans piled on goals and limited Paraguay’s chances to almost none.

Ally Sentnor delivered one of the standout performances, scoring twice as the U.S. repeatedly found space in transition and exploited movement between Paraguay’s defensive lines. A Paraguay own goal added to the tally as pressure in the box forced mistakes, and the U.S. continued to create opportunities from wide areas and central combinations.

Trinity Rodman, captaining the team, scored in her return and provided leadership in a camp built around emerging players. Her presence helped connect the attack and set an assertive tone in pressing sequences, while also signaling how the team may blend established stars with the next wave of contributors.

Emma Sears also found the net as the U.S. kept the tempo high late into the match. Overall, the Americans controlled possession and produced a heavy shot advantage, reflecting both tactical dominance and a noticeable athletic edge.

Beyond the scoreline, the match served as a marker for the program’s evolving depth chart. With major competitions ahead, the staff is using early-year windows to test combinations, evaluate new faces in meaningful minutes and build cohesion around a core that can carry the team through qualification cycles and tournament play.

The USWNT’s next steps include additional friendlies as preparation continues for upcoming regional championship and World Cup qualifying milestones. If the opener is an indication, the U.S. intends to keep its identity rooted in pace, pressure and a broad pool of attackers capable of producing goals.