USWNT opens 2026 with a 6–0 friendly rout of Paraguay as new faces shine and Rodman returns

A statement performance to start the year

The U.S. women’s national team opened its 2026 schedule with a dominant 6–0 victory over Paraguay in a friendly at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California. The match was notable not only for the scoreline but for the mix of established stars and emerging contributors who shaped the game. From the opening phases, the U.S. pressed high, controlled possession, and created repeated chances, setting an aggressive tone that translated into goals before halftime and a second-half surge.

Reilyn Turner announces herself

One of the day’s key storylines was the performance of Reilyn Turner, who scored in her first international start. Young players often face a steep adjustment when the tempo and physicality rise at the national-team level, but Turner looked comfortable within the U.S. structure, finding space in the box and finishing to reward sustained pressure. Her goal helped establish separation and allowed the U.S. to keep playing forward rather than managing a narrow lead.

Sentnor’s brace and Rodman’s return

Ally Sentnor added a pair of goals as the U.S. widened the gap after the break, capitalizing on the team’s ability to win the ball back quickly and attack before Paraguay could reorganize. Trinity Rodman’s return from injury added another layer: she captained the side, scored, and looked sharp in her movement and direct play. The combination of pace on the wings and decisive finishing in the box turned long stretches of control into a lopsided result.

Depth, competition, and the road ahead

Friendlies early in the year matter because they define selection battles and accelerate development for players pushing into the rotation. The U.S. used this match to test combinations, integrate new contributors, and refine attacking patterns under match conditions. With major competitions and qualification pathways on the horizon, the team’s ability to generate goals from multiple sources—and to do so with newcomers contributing—will be viewed internally as a positive signal.

• United States 6, Paraguay 0 in Carson, California.
• Reilyn Turner scored in her first international start and appearance.
• Ally Sentnor scored twice; Trinity Rodman returned, captained, and scored.
• U.S. controlled play with heavy possession and a large shot advantage.

For fans, the match offered an early look at the next wave of U.S. talent. For the team, it served as a reminder that the program’s competitive edge depends on depth and ruthless execution—traits that were on display throughout the 90 minutes.