"We are approaching both matches as if the World Cup starts right here. We want to arrive fully prepared, and these clashes are the kind that help you do just that. We are ranked first in the FIFA rankings and they are second; we are the reigning world champions and they are the Olympic champions. We've only managed to beat them once, and we know it's going to be very difficult," stated Spain captain Irene Paredes during the week. The centre-back is one of the most experienced players in a Spanish squad heading into its first international break of the year. La Roja secured direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup by finishing top of Group 3 with 15 points after claiming five wins and just a single defeat. The last three victories came against Ukraine (5-0), England (4-0), and Iceland (1-6), where Sonia Bermúdez's side booked their ticket to the upcoming World Cup.

Spain will indeed be defending their title in Brazil after lifting the trophy four years ago in Australia and New Zealand. Furthermore, La Roja head into the fixture as reigning Nations League champions and runners-up at the last European Championship. Sonia Bermúdez's initial squad list has undergone three changes due to various injuries. Eunate Astralaga, Natalia Ramos—who receives her first call-up—and Alba Redondo have replaced Cata Coll, Mariona Caldentey, and Vicky López respectively. Twelve of the called-up players ply their trade in Liga F Moeve, representing five different clubs. FC Barcelona have four players travelling to the United States. They are followed by Athletic Club and Real Madrid CF with three each, whilst Atlético de Madrid and Real Sociedad have one player apiece. Standing in their way will be the North American side, ranked number 2 in the FIFA rankings. 

October 7, 2026

Emma Hayes's side are the reigning Olympic champions and come into this on the back of winning the SheBelieves Cup with a clean sweep of victories against Argentina (2-0), Canada (1-0), and Colombia (1-0). In their most recent friendly, the American outfit beat Brazil 1-0. La Roja are already in the United States to play the first of these two fixtures at Audi Field (Washington), whilst the second clash will take place on Wednesday 14 October at 01:00 CEST at Subaru Park (Chester). The two sides have met on four previous occasions, with three wins for the North Americans: 1-0 in a 2019 friendly, 2-1 in the Round of 16 at the 2019 World Cup, and 1-0 in another friendly in 2020. Meanwhile, Spain claimed a 2-0 victory in a 2022 friendly at El Sadar. It will be a stern test that puts the world's two best national teams head-to-head. 

Kick-off time and how to watch the match

Spain's clash against the United States, a friendly in preparation for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, will be played on Saturday 10 October at 20:30 at the Audi Field stadium (Washington). The match will be broadcast on Teledeporte and RTVE Play.

Spain's squad list

Goalkeepers: Adriana Nanclares (Athletic Club), Misa Rodríguez (Arsenal), and Eunate Astralaga (Athletic Club).

Defenders: Lucía Corrales (London City), Andrea Medina (Manchester United), Laia Codina (West Ham), Oihane Hernández (Orlando Pride), Mapi León (London City), Irene Paredes (FC Barcelona), Eva Navarro (Real Madrid CF), Ona Batlle (Arsenal), and María Méndez (Real Madrid CF).

Midfielders: Patri Guijarro (FC Barcelona), Clara Pinedo (Athletic Club), Alexia Putellas (London City), Natalia Ramos (FC Liverpool), Fiamma Benítez (Atlético de Madrid), and Clara Serrajordi (FC Barcelona).

Forwards: Ainhoa Marín (Real Sociedad), Alba Redondo (Juventus), Ornella Vignola (Everton), Salma Paralluelo (Olympique Lyonnes), Claudia Pina (FC Barcelona), Athenea del Castillo (Real Madrid CF), and Edna Imade (Bayern Munich).