United States-Spain: “There are no friendlies between us”

“There are no friendlies between us” captures the mood ahead of the clash between Spain and the United States. The teams, ranked first and second in the FIFA rankings, meet on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. Spanish time at Audi Field in Washington. The first of two friendlies scheduled during this international window on American soil brings together the reigning world champions and reigning Olympic champions.

Lucía Corrales expects two hard-fought games. “They are going to be two very competitive matches. It is good for us to play against teams of such a high world standard. There is no better stage to see where we are ahead of next year’s World Cup,” she said before the match.

Spain coach Sonia Bermúdez intends to use the games to try different formations and ways of playing, while giving every player time on the pitch. “For both teams there are no friendlies, and we will go out to win,” she said. Bermúdez considers Spain and the United States among the favourites for the World Cup in Brazil, but warns that “one bad day puts you out” and that no side should be ruled out.

Spain, world champions since their 2023 triumph, will seek to defend the title in Brazil next summer. The United States, Olympic champions since 2024, also have four world titles and seven Olympic medals. Spain have won one of the teams’ meetings, the most recent in Pamplona in 2022, while the United States have claimed three victories. Bermúdez also pointed to the progress made: “We have evolved a lot, both at club level and with the national team.”