In a significant scheduling move for the upcoming year, the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) has confirmed a trio of high-profile exhibition matches. The world’s second-ranked squad will host Japan, currently positioned at No. 8 in the global standings, for a three-game friendly series this coming April. This announcement, made public by US Soccer on Saturday, marks the first encounter between these two formidable sides since their meeting at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
The itinerary for this competitive tour will commence on the West Coast, with the opening fixture set for San Jose, California, on Saturday, April 11th. The action will then shift northward to Seattle for the second match on Tuesday, April 14th. The series finale is scheduled to take place at a venue in Commerce City, Colorado, on Friday, April 17th, providing a comprehensive coast-to-coast showcase for fans.
A Strategic Departure from Convention
Commenting on the unique format of facing the same opponent consecutively on three occasions, Emma Hayes, the head coach of the USWNT, highlighted the strategic value embedded within this arrangement. In a statement released by the federation, Hayes emphasized that such a series, while uncommon, offers an unparalleled opportunity for development and evaluation. She characterized it as a formidable challenge and a precise mechanism to gauge the team’s capabilities against an elite, world-class adversary.
This April series represents a crucial component of the USWNT’s preparation calendar for 2026, underscoring the team’s commitment to testing its mettle against top-tier competition in the lead-up to future major tournaments. The matches against Japan, renowned for their technical prowess and tactical discipline, promise to deliver a rigorous examination for the American side, fostering an environment where strategic adjustments and player performances can be scrutinized under intense, repeated pressure.