PORTALBERITA.CO.ID - The United States Women's National Team (USWNT) began their new campaign aimed at preparing for the 2027 Women's World Cup with an away defeat on Saturday. This fixture marked the initial contest in a planned series against the South American hosts.
The match took place in São Paulo, Brazil, on Saturday, June 7, 2026, initiating a critical preparatory phase for the US squad. As reported by The Guardian, the contest concluded with the Americans falling 2-1 to the host nation.
The US made an explosive start to the game when forward Sophia Wilson found the back of the net just two minutes into the contest. This goal was particularly significant as it marked Wilson's first international score since 2024, following her hiatus to welcome her daughter.
Wilson’s opener came after she successfully forced a defensive turnover against three Brazilian players, subsequently slotting a precise shot inside the far left post to give the US an early advantage. The early lead, however, was short-lived as the Brazilian side responded with immediate pressure.
Brazil leveled the score in the 11th minute following a set-piece execution that exploited vulnerabilities in the American defense. Isabela delivered the crucial cross, allowing Taina Maranhao to gain separation and powerfully head the ball past the US goalkeeper.
Disorganization struck the US backline again just three minutes later during a quick transition play originating from their own half. A failure to control the breakout allowed the ball to penetrate the penalty area, leading to a defensive lapse.
This defensive miscommunication resulted in Bia Zaneratto being left completely unmarked centrally, enabling her to convert a left-footed shot in the 14th minute, which ultimately proved to be the winning goal for Brazil.
US goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn was instrumental in preventing further scoring before the interval, recording three vital saves to ensure the deficit remained only one goal heading into halftime. The match represented a rare away fixture for the Americans, who had not played in Brazil since December 2014.
In the second half, the US pushed hard for an equalizer, with Claire Hutton coming close near the hour mark. "Lele made a sharp, stabbing save with her right hand" after Hutton unleashed a powerful long-range effort, according to the match report.
