The United States women’s national team is set to face Japan in a series of three friendly matches during the April FIFA international window, as confirmed by the U.S. Soccer Federation on Saturday.
The first match will occur on April 11 at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, followed by the second match three days later at Lumen Field in Seattle. The concluding match of the window is slated for April 17 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.
– Hayes: Rodman contract a win for NWSL, USWNT
“Japan is among the top teams globally,” stated U.S. head coach Emma Hayes in a statement. “I greatly admire their style of play and hold immense respect for their team and identity.
“They possess a wealth of experience and are entirely dedicated to their footballing philosophy. Competing against the same opponent three times is uncommon, but it offers a significant challenge and an opportunity to evaluate ourselves against a high-caliber rival.”
The U.S. and Japan have engaged in several memorable encounters over the years, including three consecutive major finals.
Japan triumphed in a penalty shootout during the 2011 Women’s World Cup final, while the U.S. secured victories in the 2012 Olympic final and the 2015 Women’s World Cup final.
The latter match featured a remarkable hat trick from U.S. forward Carli Lloyd. The two teams also met in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Olympics, where the U.S. emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline, thanks to an extra-time goal from Trinity Rodman.
The latest encounter between the U.S. and Japan took place at the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, where Japan claimed a 2-1 victory, marking their first SheBelieves Cup title. Historically, the U.S. maintains a record of 32 wins, 2 losses, and 8 draws against Japan.
