Olympic champions against world champions. Washington, D.C., rolled out the red carpet for the first of two meetings between the United States and Spain in the space of just three days. The two powerhouses of women’s football continue their preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The clash between the two highest-ranked teams in the world, according to the FIFA World Ranking, promised to be a top-level test for both sides as they looked to measure themselves against elite opposition, fine-tune their game and continue building towards next summer’s global showpiece.

Spain could hardly have made a better start. Just three minutes in, a combination involving Alexia, Edna and Patri led to the opening goal. Guijarro unleashed a powerful right-footed shot from outside the box, beating Dickey to put Sonia Bermúdez’s side ahead.

The United States tried to respond through Hemp, whose effort failed to trouble Nanclares. Spain, however, struck again soon afterwards. Salma delivered a cross to the far post, where Eva Navarro arrived from deep and volleyed home to double the lead.

Within just 15 minutes, Spain were already 2–0 up in a packed Washington, D.C., stadium. The hosts stepped up their efforts and began to create danger. Yohannes tried her luck with a shot that narrowly missed the target, before Lucía Corrales cleared Alyssa Thompson’s effort off the line.

The United States continued to press and created further opportunities to reduce the deficit, but Nanclares and the crossbar combined to deny Sophia Wilson, who threatened again shortly afterwards with a shot that skimmed past the left-hand post. Spain weathered the hosts’ attacks and took their two-goal advantage into half-time.

The Americans maintained their pressure after the break. Wilson found the net, but a VAR review ruled out the goal for offside. The forward remained one of Emma Hayes’s side’s main attacking threats, but Nanclares produced further saves to deny both Wilson and Rodman. Lavelle also had a close-range opportunity, but could not beat the Spanish goalkeeper.

In the 67th minute, the referee awarded a penalty after consulting VAR to review a shirt pull by Natalia Ramos on Wilson. Yohannes stepped up to take the spot-kick, but Nanclares read her intentions and saved the effort, preserving Spain’s 2–0 lead. In stoppage time, Spain were reduced to 10 players following Athenea’s dismissal.

Spain struck first against the United States in Washington, D.C., thanks to Sonia Bermúdez’s side’s clinical finishing in the opening stages. The teams will meet again next Tuesday at 7 p.m. local time at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.