USWNT opens 2026 with 6-0 win over Paraguay as Rodman captains and scores

A statement win to start the year

The U.S. Women’s National Team kicked off its 2026 campaign with a convincing 6-0 friendly victory over Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match served as an early-season test for a roster blending returning stars with newer faces, and the U.S. responded with a controlled performance that exploded into goals after halftime.

After a tight first half, the U.S. broke through in stoppage time when Reilyn Turner scored for a 1-0 lead. The second half quickly turned into a rout as the Americans piled on five additional goals, overwhelming Paraguay with pressure, pace and sustained possession.

Rodman’s captaincy moment and the second-half surge

Trinity Rodman captained the side and capped the night with a goal, marking a notable leadership milestone as the program continues to shape its next cycle. Ally Sentnor scored twice, and the U.S. also benefited from a Paraguay own goal as the match tilted decisively in the Americans’ favor.

The U.S. controlled the overall flow of play, limiting Paraguay’s chances and forcing defensive errors through repeated attacks down the wings and through central combinations. The burst of scoring shortly after halftime highlighted both fitness and tactical organization, with the Americans finding space between lines and arriving into the box with numbers.

What it signals heading into 2026

Beyond the scoreline, the match offered meaningful minutes for newer players and a chance to evaluate chemistry in a competitive environment. For the coaching staff, the opener provided early evidence that the team can generate goals from multiple sources—an important marker as the U.S. prepares for a busy calendar and higher-stakes matches later in the year.

The result also set an upbeat tone for the start of 2026, with the U.S. showing defensive control and an ability to accelerate the game when opportunities appeared. While the toughest tests are still ahead, the opener delivered the kind of clean, high-output performance teams aim for in the first match of a new season.