USWNT opens 2026 with 6–0 rout of Paraguay as Trinity Rodman captains side

The U.S. women’s national team launched its 2026 schedule with a dominant 6–0 friendly win over Paraguay in Carson, California, delivering an emphatic start to the year under coach Emma Hayes. The Washington Post reported that Trinity Rodman captained the team for the first time and scored as the U.S. poured in five second-half goals to turn control into a runaway result.

Ally Sentnor scored twice in a burst that effectively ended the contest soon after halftime. Reilyn Turner marked her national-team debut with a goal in first-half stoppage time, and Emma Sears also found the net. A Paraguay own goal added to the tally as the U.S. repeatedly broke lines and created high-quality chances from wide areas and central runs.

Rodman’s captaincy was a storyline of its own, signaling her growing leadership role after returning from injury. The match also served as a practical evaluation moment: January camps are often used to integrate new players and test combinations, particularly when some Europe-based or club-committed players are unavailable due to scheduling constraints.

Beyond the scoreline, the friendly functioned as an early measuring stick for depth and pressing cohesion. The U.S. kept Paraguay pinned deep for long stretches, creating turnovers high up the field and translating those recoveries into quick attacks. The final half hour, in particular, showed a sharp tempo and willingness to commit numbers forward.

The team also honored forward Christen Press before kickoff, recognizing her contributions and the legacy of a generation that elevated the program while pushing for improved conditions and equal pay. The ceremony framed the match as both a new cycle and a continuation of standards built by veterans.

Next, the U.S. was scheduled to face Chile on Tuesday night in Santa Barbara, continuing the January window and giving Hayes another opportunity to rotate lineups, expand the player pool and refine tactical patterns ahead of 2026 competitions and longer-term World Cup qualification planning.