First and foremost, my heart goes out to the people in Minnesota who are still reeling from the violent and tragic killing of Alex Pretti on Saturday. It is a heavy time to be living through and I hope people are taking care of themselves and each other. TWG has found a place that is trying to help those in need of immigration resources: if you feel so inclined, check out this Immigration Rapid Response Fund. 🫶

I also know much of the country has been hit by a winter storm, including us here in Vermont, so I hope everyone is staying safe and warm. There’s lots of soccer to watch, including the USWNT vs. Chile tonight and the FIFA Champions Cup tomorrow. TWG will be covering the USWNT on social media and we’ll be releasing some pods later this week, including an all new episode of “Mewis Squared” on Friday. 📺

Also, we’re hiring! There are several current openings around MiB, which you can check out here. We want to do good things with great people. 🙌

Lastly, I’m really proud of our community here at The Women’s Game, especially in times like this where soccer feels less important than what’s going on elsewhere. I’m so grateful that you are here and I know that we are in this together. Thank you. 🫂

Love,
Sam

PS - Don’t look now, but the TWG merch magic touch might become a thing. 😉

The USWNT’s 23-year-old star from Newport Beach is staying stateside after all. After a prolonged pursuit (which inspired the NWSL to launch the High Impact Player Rule), the Washington Spirit’s star winger is set to remain in the District for three more years. Announced last Thursday, Rodman’s contract, which makes use of the HIP Rule (though the NWSLPA’s grievance remains active), is reported to set a new world record for women’s soccer, taking that title from the previous record holder, Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí. The right flank of America’s inimitable ‘triple espresso’ attacking line is set to bring in over $2 million annually, including bonuses.

More: Jessica Berman: Rodman deal is proof of concept for HIP rule.

📬 Enjoying The Women’s Game? Check out our other MiB newsletters:

🐦‍⬛ The Raven: Our thrice-weekly newsletter where we preview the biggest men’s matches around the world (and tell you where/how to watch them) and recap our favorite football moments from the weekend.

🔍 The Correspondent: Rory Smith’s thoughts on the world of soccer, culture, food, and how they all connect – every Thursday.

🇺🇸 USMNT Only: Your regular update on the most important topics in the U.S. men’s game, all leading up to this summer’s World Cup.

On a night that celebrated one of the USA’s most prolific goal-scorers in two-time World Cup champion Christen Press, Emma Hayes’ still-developing squad recorded six goals vs. Paraguay, who are ranked 46th in the world by FIFA. The first match of 2026 reminded viewers that the talent pool is deep and like the greats that have come before them, they can score plenty of goals. Trinity Rodman wore the captain’s armband for the first time ever, and contributed a goal in her first appearance since last April, while Kansas City forward Ally Sentnor collected a brace and 23-year-old Portland forward Reilyn Turner also scored in her debut. 

USA 🇺🇸 vs. Chile 🇨🇱 (TONIGHT, 10 p.m. ET, TBS/Peacock/HBO Max)

The NWSL-only squad closes out January camp with a friendly against Chile in Santa Barbara. After capping three new players against Paraguay (Turner, Maddie Dahlien and Sally Menti), Hayes has officially debuted 30 players during her time in charge, and fans can expect more experimentation as she doles out experience to a youthful camp.

🥤 Olipop power everything we do here at The Women’s Game. You can use code TWG20 for 20% off your first order at drinkolipop.com/TWG20.

Chelsea 0-2 Arsenal 

The Gunners tore into the new year with a historic away win at Chelsea. With Beth Mead and Mariona Caldentey delivering the goals, Arsenal secured their first-ever win at Stamford Bridge and their first away win against the Blues in eight years. Last season’s treble winners are still second in the standings, one point ahead of Arsenal, but they now trail first-placed City by a daunting nine points. Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor conceded afterward that the title race is likely lost. 

London City Lionesses 1-2 Manchester City

The WSL’s top-scorer, Jamaican striker Bunny Shaw, scored an 86th-minute goal against London City that all but sealed the title race. With all three points secured on Sunday, the first-placed Mancunians have a whopping nine-point lead at the top of the table. That’s good news for one of City’s latest signings: USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey, who subbed on in the 76th minute to make her WSL debut. 

More: Coffey wasn’t the only USWNT player to make their WSL debut over the weekend. Former NWSL Rookie of the Year Jenna Nighswonger made her first appearance for Aston Villa, where she’s now on loan from Arsenal.

Spain’s Catalan juggernauts are Supercopa champions once more. On Sunday in Castellón, the six-time Supercopa winners collected their fifth straight title with a 2-0 win against Real Madrid. Marking the closest scoreline in the history of the competition, Barcelona secured the trophy with a first-half header from 22-year-old Dutch international Esmee Brugts and a 94th-minute penalty from none other than Alexia Putellas.

More: Barcelona deny Madrid another trophy, but the gap is closing.

Inaugural Women’s Champions Cup Semi-Final 🏆

Corinthians 🇧🇷 vs. Gotham 🇺🇲 (Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. ET, Paramount+)

Brazil’s Corinthians are the most decorated club in South America, but they’ll face Gotham in the Champions Cup semi-final as part of their first big international test. With a former Corinthian, midfielder Gabi Portilho, representing the reigning NWSL champions, they’ll face a tough challenge to reach the final. 

Arsenal 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 vs. AS FAR 🇲🇦 (Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET, Paramount+)

The reigning champions of Europe have the chance to secure an early trophy in a season that’s started slow, though picked up speed as they await the UWCL knockout round. They’ll face Africa’s champions from Morocco, who hope to give the Gunners an upset. Per AS FAR player Zineb Rouani, “AS FAR is a club rich in trophies and pedigree. We are going to London to create history.” 

The winners will face off in the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup Final on Feb. 1 at the Emirates Stadium in London.

More: Women’s Champions Cup winners to receive highest prize money in women’s football.

England’s WSL 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Manchester City vs. Chelsea (Sunday, 9:30 a.m.)

First-placed City have a nine-point lead at the top of the table, but they’re likely to face a tough test on Sunday as second-placed Chelsea seek to close the gap and revive the title contest.

This week’s question: The 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil has unveiled its official slogan: “GO EPIC.” What was the official slogan of the last edition of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand in 2023?

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

Last week’s answer: During the 1999 Women’s World Cup, 10 different players scored for the USWNT, including Tiffeny Milbrett, who was the squad’s leading scorer with three goals.

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

Akemi writes: Hi Sam - One of the best roast chicken recipes that I have enjoyed is for Robin Hood chicken from Cuisine Magazine. Hope you like it too!

Sam writes: Thank you, Akemi! And keep the roast chicken recipes coming! I’m so glad that so many of you are on this roast chicken journey with me. I’m still under the chef supervision of my husband Pat, but I’m feeling confident I’m on the right track and I will definitely be trying this Robin Hood chicken.

📝 Want to be featured in next week’s TWG newsletter? Send Sam an email! All your questions, comments, and roast chicken recipes can be sent to [email protected].

🙌 If you’re enjoying TWG, we’d love an assist. Forward this email or share this URL with a friend, family member, or fellow soccer fan.

📧 First time with us? Sign up here to get next week’s newsletter sent straight to your inbox.