“USWNT vs Spain: Guijarro and Navarro Score Early as Defensive Lapses Expose US in Heavywei” — what this page in the network covers. Spain's Aitana Bonmatí and Mariona Caldentey struck early, with Guijarro and Navarro finding the net in the opening 14 minutes to hand the US women's national team a 2-1 defeat in an international friendly. The US, ranked second by FIFA and Olympic gold medalists in 2024, struggled to contain Spain's midfield control and pressing, which exposed defensive and midfield lapses. Despite a missed penalty from teenager Lily Yohannes, the US mounted a late fightback but fell short against the world's top-ranked team and reigning World Cup champions.
The match served as a preview of the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil, where both teams are expected to be top contenders. With 258 days until the tournament opener and key players absent due to injuries, the US must first secure qualification through the Concacaf W Championship starting next month. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.