One game down and two to go for the USWNT vs. Japan series this week. We watched the U.S. win 2-1 on Saturday thanks to goals from Rose Lavelle and Lindsey Heaps, plus standout performances from Gisele Thompson and Emily Fox. Ali Riley and I went live on the TWG YouTube channel right at the final whistle if you want a play-by-play breakdown of the match, plus some hard-hitting questions from callers.🎙️

TWG has a full slate of content this week starting with a ”Teaming Up” interview featuring USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe, “Good Vibes FC” with special guest co-host Merri Speck and “Friendlies” with England and Manchester United midfielder Jess Park. We’ll also be unpacking the USWNT games later today with former U.S. star Meghan Klingenberg and on Friday with friend of the pod, Merri Speck. 🤩

I had such a fun weekend hanging with my family and celebrating my nephew’s first birthday. We went to a nearby farm and Jagger got to see ducks, horses, goats, and chickens! It’s wild having a kid in the house, but Chester and Finn have been so gentle and Jagger is growing up so fast! 👶

Enjoy the rest of the newsletter, and we’ll see you on the TWG Live After Dark tonight! 📺

Love,
Sam

P.S. Coffey and “Biscuits with the Boss” sounds about right! 🎯

P.P.S. With back‑to‑back USWNT action this week, consider this a sign to treat yourself to some brand-new merch from our TWG collection. 🧢

"We've come a very long way, and that's credit to this team, credit to the staff, the way that we want to control the game, where we want to control the game and the chances that we want to create." – USWNT Coach Emma Hayes

💪 Key Veterans Show Their Quality

The USWNT and Japan faced off on Saturday for the 43rd time in their history. In the first of a trio of friendlies between the two global soccer superpowers, manager Emma Hayes doubled down on experience, enlisting forward Sophia Wilson who returned to the national team after 17 months away following the birth of her daughter Gigi, and a starting XI that averaged 56.3 caps with eight players boasting World Cup or Olympic experience. Veteran stars contributed two goals and an assist: Rose Lavelle opened the scoring with a left-footed shot to mark her 100th USWNT start and captain Lindsey Heaps doubled the lead, assisted by Lavelle and helped along by the Thompson sisters combining in the final third.

🚀 Bubble Players Make a Major Impact

With Emily Sonnett sidelined due to a knock, Hayes put her trust in defender Kennedy Wesley, who slotted in seamlessly next to centerback partner (and former Stanford and San Diego Wave teammate) Naomi Girma. Hayes also deputized Angel City’s Gisele Thompson at left-back, who delivered another impressive performance in her eighth start (her fourth alongside sister Alyssa, breaking a beloved TWG record) as she helped set up the second goal through relentless pressure and made several clutch saves for the backline.

In the second half, Riko Ueki (West Ham) pulled one back for Japan with a clinical header and nearly equalized minutes later, but Seattle Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, who earned the start for the USWNT, denied her effort. With plenty to take from the opener, including shoring up the backline, expect more rotation today and Friday as Hayes continues to evaluate individual player profiles and partnerships.

⚔️ An Enduring Rivalry in World Football

This longstanding clash runs deep with Japan lifting the 2011 World Cup trophy and the U.S. responding four years later to earn their third World Cup title. More recently, the USWNT narrowly beat the Nadeshiko 1-0 in extra-time during the 2024 Olympic quarterfinal, but the tables soon turned a year later when Japan shocked the U.S., winning the 2025 SheBelieves Cup on home soil. Japan’s pace and technical precision is exactly the kind of challenge Emma Hayes is looking for in the run‑up to the 2027 World Cup.

“2027 will be about opening doors. This World Cup will show girls everywhere they belong on the biggest stage." – Brazil legend Marta

While the USWNT has us dialed in at home, the first edition of the Women's FIFA Series has kicked off abroad, giving teams the opportunity to prove their mettle.

🇧🇷 Brazil Issues 2027 Warning Shot With 5-1 Win vs. South Korea 🇰🇷

Next summer, the reigning Olympic silver medalists, Brazil, will host the 2027 World Cup and they look every bit like contenders for their first title after dispatching Asian Cup semifinalists, South Korea, with ease. Brazil’s depth in attack and trademark flair were on full display with five goals from five different players, including a trio of NWSL stars, with Ary Borges (Angel City) firing home a deflected shot, Ludmila (San Diego Wave) making a pinpoint finish, and Dudinha (San Diego Wave) delivering a brilliant bicycle kick.

🇨🇦 New Era Powers Canada Past Zambia 4-0 🇿🇲

Canada showcased its cross-generational depth as a veteran and rising star each scored braces that bookended their decisive win over Zambia. Nichelle Prince (Boston Legacy) struck twice in seven minutes to put Canada up before the break, while 19-year-old Annabelle Chukwu (who coach Casey Stoney has compared to England star Lauren James) matched her with her first two international goals seven minutes apart. While Zambia was buoyed by captain Barbra Banda’s return to international play, the Copper Queens managed just one shot on target in a match Canada controlled throughout.

🇦🇺 No Chawingas, No Chance: Matildas Steamroll Malawi 5-0 🇲🇼

Malawi was missing two seismic talents in Saturday’s test against the Matildas: both Chawinga sisters, Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga and OL Lyonnes’ Tabitha Chawinga, were absent and still returning to full fitness from injuries. Australia secured a comfortable victory in Nairobi and will head to the final of the FIFA Series, thanks to a well-timed volley by captain Sam Kerr (Chelsea), as well as clinical finishes by the most‑capped Matilda, Emily van Egmond (Leicester City), and young debutant Leticia McKenna (Melbourne City). 

“Playing at Wembley always brings a special kind of energy, and we all feel it when we step on the pitch. The history and memories made there along with our incredible fans creates a unique atmosphere.” – England coach Sarina Wiegman

In addition to the USWNT’s two remaining friendlies against Japan this week, here are some of the biggest Women's European Qualifiers for the 2027 World Cup:

England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 vs. Spain 🇪🇸 (TODAY, 2 p.m. ET, CBS/Fubo/ Paramount+)

In a highly anticipated rematch, two-time Euro champions England host the reigning world champs Spain at Wembley in a decisive early test for their group. Sarina Wiegman has called up a number of NWSL talents, including debutant Keira Barry (Bay FC). But all eyes will be on her choice of centerbacks, with Jess Carter (Gotham FC) and Esme Morgan (Washington Spirit) potentially being deputized as Leah Williamson (Arsenal) works her way back from injury.

Netherlands 🇳🇱 vs. France 🇫🇷 (TODAY, 2:45 p.m. ET, ESPN Select)

Two of the World Cup’s fiercest knockout-round contenders meet for back-to-back battles this window. The Dutch (who sit in second place of a difficult group) host France in this rematch following their 2-5 defeat in the Euros, with first-placed Les Bleues—one of four teams yet to lose a qualifying match alongside Germany, Spain and England—hosting in Auxerre this weekend. Keep an eye out for the San Diego Wave’s Perle Morroni and Laurina Fazer, who both represent France. 

Republic of Ireland 🇮🇪 vs. Poland 🇵🇱 (TODAY, 12 p.m. ET)

Ireland and Poland meet twice this week while battling to keep their World Cup hopes alive in a daunting group with France and the Netherlands. Poland, sitting third, aims to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, led by captain Ewa Pajor (Barcelona). Meanwhile, fourth-placed Ireland is seeking a second-straight tournament appearance with Arsenal defender Katie McCabe and Liverpool midfielder Denise O’Sullivan leading the charge.

Denmark 🇩🇰 vs. Italy 🇮🇹 (Saturday, 9 a.m. ET)

Poised in first place within their group, Denmark is seeking a second-straight World Cup appearance. Euro 2025 semi-finalists Italy are in third, but held the Danes to a 1-1 draw in the first window. Denmark captain Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich) is always a threat in behind, while Italy’s Cristiana Girelli (Bay FC) and Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit) are top goalscorers to watch and part of a growing cadre of Italian talent across the NWSL.

More: Explore the Women’s European Qualifiers’ most competitive groups and discover how national teams can qualify for the 2027 World Cup.

🤩 The Stars are aligning! Mal Swanson is back training with Chicago – a sign that the last shot of Triple Espresso, who has 103 caps and 38 goals for the USWNT, could be nearing her return for the stars and stripes.

🎭 Broadway star, TV producer and now… World Cup 2026 ambassador. Is there anything Midge Purce can’t do? It was just announced that the Gotham forward will represent NY/NJ in this new role alongside Super Bowl champion Eli Manning and the New York Knicks’ Josh Hart.

🏟️ The White House has withheld commitments for a 2031 Women’s World Cup bid, seeking to force FIFA to change its transgender athlete policy. The move comes after an International Olympic Committee ruling last month that introduced compulsory gene testing and bars transgender players from women’s events. Critics say the policy intrudes on the privacy of all women and also discriminates against intersex athletes who don’t fit binary definitions.

🐈‍⬛ Bay Collective, who own Bay FC in the NWSL, just snapped up a majority stake in Sunderland, bringing the WSL2 side under their multi‑club umbrella. In honor of more investment in Sunderland and the women’s game, enjoy this clip of a young Beth Mead casually dropping a hat trick against Chelsea while playing for the Black Cats.

😉 After so many male athletes were asked their “favorite female athlete” for Women’s History Month, TWG flipped the script and asked Gotham fans to name their favorite male athletes. Personally, we’re sticking with Mr. Julie Ertz, Mr. Sophia Wilson and Mr. Mallory Swanson.

This week’s question: When the USWNT faced Japan in the 2015 World Cup final, Carli Lloyd’s hat-trick, which she scored in the first 16 minutes, stole the spotlight. Which teammates delivered the final two goals to seal the 5–2 result for the U.S.?

Respond to this email (or reply here) for a chance to win a coveted TWG patch.

Last week’s answer: In last year’s UWCL semifinal match-up between Olympique Lyonnais and Arsenal, following an early own goal from Lyon, Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey, Alessia Russo, and Caitlin Foord each scored to secure a 4-1 win in the second leg to propel the Gunners to the final. Watch the full highlights.

Congrats to Shreya Lapsia, who was the first person to respond with the correct answer. Shreya, the patch is on its way! 💌

Nora writes: Hi Sam and Lindsey, I am Nora and I live in Chicago (but am from New England and my dad went to college at Boston College and my mom went to college at Boston University). I am the starting goalkeeper for my school and for my club, Chicago Fire Youth Academy.

I have been a Chicago Stars season ticket holder for the last few years and last year I got a squad-signed scarf and a few things from Alyssa Naeher. I attended as many games as possible, and I can’t wait to see Lindsey play later this year. I was wondering, how do you think the NWSL getting a bunch of international players is helping it bring up the intensity and show what the U.S. holds?

Thanks,
Nora

Sam writes: Hi Nora, it’s so nice to hear from a fellow New Englander! I’m glad your love of soccer has led you to become a season ticket holder for the Stars – and how cool that you got merch signed by “Uncle” aka “The Secretary of Defense” aka all of our hero, Alyssa Naeher. 

I am also excited that Lindsey’s re-joining the NWSL this summer! What a treat to get to see her play here again after accomplishing so much in France with Olympique Lyonnais. 

As for your question, the international talent in the NWSL right now is truly incredible. We have two‑time MVP Temwa Chawinga from Malawi, one of the league’s top goal scorers Barbra Banda from Zambia, a slew of Italian stars like Sofia Cantore and Cristiana Girelli, and even the league’s first Paraguayan player, Claudia Martínez. They’re bringing their dynamism, physicality, technical ability, and distinct styles of play – all of which raise the level of the league. And in turn, the NWSL’s competitiveness is pushing them to evolve their own game in new ways. I’m really excited to see even more players from around the world come to the U.S. and leave their mark both on and off the pitch.

Thanks for writing in with your question and sharing with the TWG crew. <3

Love,
Sam

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