The U.S. women's national team is set to welcome Spain for a pair of international friendlies in October, marking the first meetings between the two sides in just over four months. The first encounter will take place on October 10 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., followed by a second clash on October 13 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Honoring a legend
The fixtures will also serve as a tribute to Crystal Dunn, a stalwart of the USWNT who will be honored before the opening match. Dunn, who retired with 160 caps, 25 goals and 20 assists, won a FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019, Olympic gold in 2024 and bronze in 2020. A limited‑edition commemorative bobblehead will be handed out to the first 2,000 fans, underscoring the significance of her contributions.
Head coach Emma Hayes has described the Spain series as the perfect gauge for her squad as they prepare for the next phase of World Cup qualifying. “These matches will be perfect tests before World Cup qualifying,” Hayes said, emphasizing the need for high‑level competition to fine‑tune tactics and chemistry.
Spain arrive in the United States after securing direct qualification by topping their UEFA Women’s World Cup qualifying group. Their recent form includes a 4‑0 victory over England and a 6‑1 thrashing of Iceland, showcasing a potent attack that will test the American defense.
The upcoming friendlies also represent a milestone for the National Women's Soccer League, with the Washington Spirit — Dunn’s former club — benefiting from heightened visibility. Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere as the teams vie for momentum ahead of the sport’s most critical qualifying window.