Don't Miss It: Four Compelling Reasons the USWNT's Showdown Against World Champions Spain Is a Must-Watch

The FIFA women's international window for October has arrived, bringing with it two friendly fixtures for the U.S. women's national team against Spain. These matches will serve as the final two games before the USA takes on El Salvador in a World Cup qualifier on Nov. 27.

First on the schedule, the USA welcomes Spain to Audi Field in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Oct. 10. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on TBS and HBO Max in English and on Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock in Spanish.

The action then shifts to Subaru Park in Chester, Penn., where the USA and Spain meet again on Tuesday, Oct. 13. That match kicks off at 7 p.m. ET and will air on TNT and HBO Max in English and on Universo and Peacock in Spanish.

Here are four reasons why these international friendlies are not to be missed.

World Cup Favorites Collide

🇺🇸 𝗪𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗠.#JugarLucharYGanar pic.twitter.com/tQbcrAYOWw

It doesn't get much bigger than this. USA vs. Spain pits the world's two highest-ranked teams against each other. It's also a showdown between the two nations considered the bookmakers' top picks to lift the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup trophy. The USA hold a slight edge, with some betting firms listing their odds at +350 compared to Spain's +400.

Adding further intrigue to this clash of heavyweights, the matchup also features the reigning World Cup champions, Spain, squaring off against the reigning Olympic Gold Medalists, the USA.

No trophies will be on the line over the coming week, but FIFA ranking points and bragging rights are very much at stake. Whatever outcomes emerge over the next few days, they will undoubtedly shape the conversation as excitement builds ahead of next year's World Cup.

Revenge and a Short History

Believe it or not, these will be just the fifth and sixth encounters between the USWNT and Spain. All four previous meetings have taken place within the last seven years, with the all-time record standing at three wins for the USA and one for Spain.

The first two clashes both came in 2019. The USA claimed the opening meeting, a friendly won 1-0, before eliminating Spain from the World Cup with a 2-1 victory in the Round of 16 that summer. Another friendly followed in March 2020, with the USA again prevailing 1-0. The tide turned in 2022, however, when the USA traveled to Spain and were thoroughly outplayed in a 2-0 home victory for the Spanish.

Now, nearly four years on, Spain are World Champions and the USA are the challengers. The Americans will be hungry for revenge to settle the score — particularly those still in the squad who featured in that defeat to Spain: Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman, Lindsey Heaps, Rose Lavelle, and Ashley Sanchez.

This next chapter of a budding rivalry is not to be overlooked.

Triple Espresso Reunion II

During a remarkable Gold Medal run at the 2024 Olympics, the USA's beloved attacking trio of Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Wilson earned the nickname 'Triple Espresso.' However, due to Rodman's injury history and both Swanson and Wilson becoming new mothers, the trio hasn't appeared on the pitch together since the Gold Medal match on August 10, 2024.

This camp marks only the second time all three have been called up together since that occasion. During the previous international window in Brazil this past June, Rodman and Wilson both featured, while Swanson remained an unused substitute.

Should Hayes choose to deploy 'Triple Espresso' against Spain, it would end a wait of over two years for fans eager to see the trio in action together. And what better stage than home matches against the reigning World Cup champions? Buckle up and get caffeinated.

Absences & Opportunities

Roster News: @ChelseaFCW defender Naomi Girma has been ruled out of the upcoming USWNT matches vs Spain due to a muscle injury. A roster replacement will be named at a later date. pic.twitter.com/Vne6q64jtj

While excitement builds around a potential 'Triple Espresso' reunion, the lead-up to these Spain friendlies has been largely defined by notable absentees. The USWNT will be without Emily Sonnett and Olivia Moultrie until at least next summer, while Catarina Macario, Naomi Girma, and Sam Coffey are also unavailable in the near term — accounting for four regular starters.

As always in soccer, absences create opportunity. The question is: who will rise to the occasion against Spain?

With starting center-backs Sonnett and Girma both sidelined, Hayes' choices at the heart of defense will be closely watched. The experienced Tierna Davidson and the in-form Kennedy Wesley appear to be the most likely candidates. Claire Hutton is expected to fill Coffey's midfield role, while Macario's striker position is up for grabs among any member of 'Triple Espresso.'

Five players could also earn their first USWNT caps: Jordan Silkowitz, Evelyn Shores, Kate Del Fava, Pietra Tordin, and Trinity Byars. That said, it would be a surprise to see Hayes throw them straight into the deep end against one of the world's elite sides.

The USA isn't alone in dealing with absences, though. Spain will make the transatlantic trip without three-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí or 2025 Women's Super League Player of the Season Mariona Caldentey — significant losses in both midfield and attack.

The subplot within the main event will be watching fringe players from both sides make their case and attempt to win over their respective coaches.