WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Women’s National Team conceded not one but two early goals against No. 1 Spain and never recovered.
Midfielder Patri Guijarro’s superb strike and winger Eva Navarro’s one-time finish sealed a 2-0 FIFA Women’s World Cup win over Emma Hayes’ side at Audi Field on Saturday. It marked the second time in 2026 that the Americans had been shut out in a match and the fifth time overall since January 2024.
Spain first shocked Emma Hayes’ side with a sensational right-foot strike from Barcelona midfielder Patri Guijarro. A change in midfield allowed Spain to race upfield and connect with several passes before Guijarro struck and found the far left corner.
Ten minutes after taking an early lead, Spain doubled it thanks to another clinical finish.
Salma Paralluelo created space on the left before sending a cross into the box that Eva Navarro would one-time into the net.
As the half wore on, the USWNT picked up the pace and came close to reducing their deficit after Alyssa Thompson rounded Spain goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares. However, the Spain backline saved their goalkeeper by clearing Thompson’s shot off the line.
As the half wore on, Nanclares came up big again for Spain, denying Sophia Wilson her second international goal of the year. Wilson attempted a right-footed shot from outside the box and watched as Nanclares pushed the shot over the crossbar.
It marked the first time since March 2017 (a 3-1 loss to France) that the USWNT trailed 2-0 in the first half of a match.
Nanclares’ busy afternoon continued after the break, with the 24-year-old standing tall to keep the USWNT at bay. Trinity Rodman’s close-range effort was denied by an Athletic Bilbao shot-stopper and subsequent chances from Lindsey Heaps and Rose Lavelle were saved.
VAR gave the USWNT a lifeline after the hour mark, awarding Natalia Ramos with a penalty kick after bringing down Wilson in the box. However, Nanclares were up for the challenge again and Lily dived to her right to save Yohannes’ spot-kick.
Spain were reduced to 10 men before stoppage time after VAR ruled Atheea del Castillo guilty of pulling her hair, but the USWNT failed to capitalize in the final few minutes.
Nanclares finished the match with nine points as Spain recorded their fourth straight win in all competitions.
The USWNT will now look for a bounce back against Spain on Tuesday as the two-match October window closes in Chester, Pennsylvania.