The United States Women`s National Team is playing against Brazil in an international friendly series this April. The first game will be on Saturday at SoFi Stadium in California, and the second game will be on April 8 in Northern California.
USWNT coach Emma Hayes is using this period to assess and expand the team`s player pool in preparation for the 2027-28 cycle. Trinity Rodman is back on the roster for the first time since the 2024 Olympic gold medal match, recovering from a back injury after the 2024 NWSL Championship.
Ashley Hatch and Alana Cook are also returning to the team for the first time since 2023. Gisele Thompson has been called up to replace Tierna Davidson, who unfortunately tore her ACL in a recent club game.
The team is looking to rebound after losing to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup, which ended their five-year winning streak in the tournament.
Here’s a look at the key storylines and how to watch the game.
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
Last Meeting
2024 Olympic Gold Medal Final: These two teams last played in the 2024 Paris Olympics final. It was a tight game between these long-time rivals in a major tournament. Mal Swanson scored the winning goal for the USWNT in the second half, and Alyssa Naeher made important saves to secure a 1-0 victory and the gold medal.
What the USWNT is Saying
Coach Hayes is not only expanding the player pool but also changing the program by bringing in new ideas and re-integrating the U23 team. In January, Hayes held training camps with two separate rosters to introduce players to the coaching staff. This April camp is the first U23 camp alongside a senior camp connected to games.
Hayes mentioned that some players in the senior team could have been in the U23 program if there weren`t injuries to senior players. She believes these camps in April, May, and June will help build team chemistry, despite the current inexperience. She feels the team is in a better position now and expects the roster to become stronger, even if it doesn`t always feel that way immediately.
Predicted Lineups
Attacking Third made lineup predictions with different analysts suggesting various lineups. Darian Jenkins predicts the following starting eleven for the first game against Brazil:
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 to Watch
Alyssa Thompson: The Angel City FC forward has started the NWSL season strongly, leading her club in goals (two) and second in chances created (five) in the first three games. Her ability to challenge defenders and create scoring opportunities makes her a significant threat against Brazil.
Thompson commented on Brazil`s playing style, noting their one-on-one matchups and isolation tactics to create numerical advantages. She emphasized the importance of creating space and expressed confidence in the team`s preparation to win and continue developing.
Storyline to Watch
Expanded player pool: After playing for titles in the 2024 Gold Cup and Olympics, these teams meet again in a less pressured spring setting. Although these are friendlies, Hayes and her staff are still evaluating players, giving them important playing time. The players also want to prove themselves after not winning the SheBelieves Cup.
Prediction
Friendly matches often involve adjustments in the first game, and this one might be similar. Many Brazilian players also play in the NWSL and are in their early season stages like their USWNT counterparts.
This familiarity could lead to another close game, but it doesn`t mean there won`t be goals as both teams learn each other`s strategies. Prediction: USWNT 2, Brazil 1
