The United States Women`s National Team is preparing to play Brazil in two friendly matches this April. The first game will be held at SoFi Stadium in California on Saturday, followed by the second match in Northern California on April 8.
USWNT coach Emma Hayes has emphasized that the team is using this period leading up to the 2027-28 competitions to assess and expand the player pool. Trinity Rodman is returning to the roster for the first time since the 2024 Olympic gold medal match after recovering from a back injury.
Ashley Hatch and Alana Cook are also back with the team for the first time since 2023. Gisele Thompson has been called up to the senior team as a replacement for Tierna Davidson, who unfortunately suffered an ACL injury.
The team aims to rebound after losing to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup, which ended their five-year winning streak in the tournament.
Here’s a preview of the upcoming match, including viewing details and key storylines.
How to Watch USWNT vs. Brazil
- Date: April 5, 2025
- Location: SoFi Stadium — Los Angeles, CA
- TV: TNT | Live stream: Max
- Odds: USA -145; +260 Draw; + 390 BRAZIL
Previous Matchup
2024 Olympic Gold Medal Final: The USWNT and Brazil last played in the 2024 Paris Olympics final. In a tight contest, Mal Swanson scored the winning goal for the U.S. early in the second half. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made critical saves late in the game, securing a 1-0 victory and the gold medal for the USWNT.
USWNT Team Perspective
Coach Hayes is not only evaluating players but also implementing new strategies and reintroducing the U23 team program. In January, Hayes conducted dual training camps to integrate players and coaching staff. This April camp is the first U23 camp to occur alongside a senior camp in conjunction with scheduled matches.
Hayes noted that some players currently on the senior team might have been in the U23 program if not for injuries to senior players. She believes these camps are valuable opportunities to build team chemistry, especially with a relatively young average team age. Despite current inexperience, Hayes is optimistic about the team`s progress and potential for growth leading to a stronger roster.
Projected Lineups
Attacking Third analysts have provided varied lineup predictions. Darian Jenkins` projected starting eleven for the first game against Brazil is:
USWNT Starting XI: Jane Campbell, Emily Fox, Emily Sams, Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn; Sam Coffey, Lily Yohannes, Lindsey Heaps; Yazmeen Ryan, Catarina Macario, Alyssa Thompson
Player Spotlight
Alyssa Thompson: The Angel City FC forward has started the NWSL season strongly, leading her club in goals (two) and ranking second in created chances (five) after three games. Her ability to challenge defenders and create scoring opportunities makes her a significant threat against Brazil.
Thompson commented on the upcoming match with Brazil, noting their strategy of creating one-on-one situations across the field to gain numerical advantages. She emphasized the importance of creating space and expressed confidence in the team`s preparation and desire to win while continuing to improve.
Key Storyline
Expanded Player Pool: After two high-stakes matches in 2024 (Gold Cup and Olympics), the USWNT and Brazil meet again in a less pressured spring setting. While these are friendlies, Coach Hayes and her staff will use these games to evaluate players and give them valuable playing time in important positions. The players will also be motivated to respond positively after their SheBelieves Cup loss.
Match Prediction
Friendly matches often involve an adjustment period in the first game, which may be the case in this series opener. Many Brazilian players also play in the NWSL and are in the early stages of their club season, similar to their USWNT counterparts.
This familiarity could lead to another close game, but also potentially more goals as both teams assess each other. Prediction: USWNT 2, Brazil 1
Benedict Kingsley