Overview
- The United States opens a three-game set against Japan in San Jose, with the series continuing in Seattle and Commerce City.
- Head coach Emma Hayes called in 26 players, bringing back forward Sophia Wilson after childbirth and center back Tierna Davidson from a 2025 ACL layoff, while Mallory Swanson continues a gradual return from maternity leave.
- Japan arrives as the 2026 Asian Cup champion after outscoring opponents 29–1, though the team now plays under interim manager Michihisa Kano following Nils Nielsen’s contract expiration.
- Hayes said she will rotate across the three matches to test roles and noted a selection puzzle at left back with only one natural option in the squad.
- The longtime rivals have met 42 times with the U.S. leading 32-2-8, and with the U.S. ranked No. 2 and Japan No. 5 this series offers a clear gauge of progress before qualifying.