SÃO PAULO, Brazil – The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) has locked in its starting lineup ahead of tonight’s highly anticipated international friendly against Brazil at the Neo Química Arena.
With kickoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. local time), fans can tune into the English broadcast across TNT, truTV, and HBO Max, while Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock will provide Spanish-language coverage. Westwood One will also provide live radio commentary.
The Starting Eleven
Head coach and staff have opted for a balanced blend of veteran leadership and rising talent, with the starting squad averaging 57.7 international appearances per player.
- Goalkeeper: Mandy McGlynn (6 caps)
- Defenders: Emily Fox (77 caps), Tierna Davidson (70 caps), Emily Sonnett (117 caps), Gisele Thompson (11 caps)
- Midfielders: Lindsey Heaps (Captain – 177 caps), Lily Yohannes (19 caps), Claire Hutton (19 caps)
- Forwards: Trinity Rodman (56 caps), Sophia Wilson (62 caps), Alyssa Thompson (32 caps)
History-Making Thompson Sisters
A major highlight of tonight’s roster is the inclusion of Alyssa and Gisele Thompson in the starting XI. This marks the sixth time the siblings have started an international match together, extending their own USWNT record for the most joint starts by sisters. It will be their eighth time sharing the pitch in total during a senior national team match, putting them closer to the all-time record of 12 shared appearances held by Samantha and Kristie Mewis.
Key Milestones and Lineup Storylines
- Captain’s Milestone: Wearing the armband for the 44th time, veteran midfielder Lindsey Heaps earns her 177th cap tonight. This officially moves her past Shannon MacMillan into sole possession of the 18th most appearances in USWNT history. It also serves as one of her final international stretches before she officially joins the NWSL expansion team, Denver Summit FC, this July.
- The Vet in the Back: At 32 years old, Emily Sonnett stands as the most senior player on this specific roster. Tonight marks her 117th international appearance, ranking her 38th all-time for the program.
- Moms on the Pitch: Forward Sophia Wilson continues her inspiring return to international form after giving birth. Already the 18th mother to ever play for the USWNT, a goal tonight would make her just the ninth mother in program history to find the back of the net.
- Youth Movement: The squad features phenomenal young talent, including 18-year-old Lily Yohannes making her 12th start, and 20-year-old Claire Hutton earning her 14th start in the midfield.
Match Background
This fixture marks a rare trip to South America for the Americans. The USWNT has not played a match in Brazil since the 2016 Olympic Games, and their last direct friendly against the Brazilians on their home soil dates back to December 2014. Additionally, officiating for tonight’s high-tempo match will be aided by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology.
Available options off the bench for the U.S. include potent goal-scoring threats like Mallory Swanson, Jaedyn Shaw, and Rose Lavelle, giving the team immense depth to pull from as the match progresses.
