USWNT opens 2026 with 6–0 rout of Paraguay as Rodman captains and scores

A dominant start in Carson

The United States women’s national team opened its 2026 schedule with a commanding 6–0 win over Paraguay in a friendly at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match was notable both for the lopsided scoreline and for the leadership spotlight on Trinity Rodman, who captained the team and added a goal as the U.S. pulled away in the second half.

The game was scoreless for long stretches before Reilyn Turner found the breakthrough in first-half stoppage time, giving the U.S. a 1–0 lead at the interval. After the break, the attack accelerated quickly, with Ally Sentnor scoring twice as the Americans stacked goals in rapid succession. A Paraguay own goal added to the surge, and Rodman finished clinically to make her mark in a match already trending decisively in the U.S. direction.

Rodman’s captaincy and a deepening talent pool

Rodman’s performance came during a January camp that is often used to test combinations, reward strong domestic form, and accelerate player development. Her captain’s role added context to her return and signaled trust from the staff as the program builds toward future competitive windows. Beyond Rodman, the match highlighted how quickly younger attackers can change games when given space and tempo.

The U.S. also honored recently retired Christen Press, reflecting an ongoing transition period in which the program balances veteran legacy with new leadership layers. For fans, the result offered a reminder that depth remains a defining feature of the squad, even as the player pool continues to evolve.

Next steps for the U.S.

The friendly served as the opening step of the year’s preparation cycle, with the staff looking for clarity on roles, chemistry, and finishing efficiency. With more matches scheduled in the coming months, the emphasis will likely shift from experimentation to sharper competitive standards as the calendar moves toward higher-stakes events.

For this opener, the message was straightforward: once the U.S. found its rhythm, the gap widened quickly, and multiple players made credible cases for bigger roles in 2026.