USWNT announces Brazil doubleheader as 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup preparations ramp up

The USWNT is fresh off a 3-0 win against Japan in Colorado -Credit:Ray Bahner/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

This game will be broadcast after the USMNT takes on Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, in what will be their last friendly before the World Cup kicks off five days later in Mexico City. Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT’s tournament will begin a day later at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, when they take on Group D rivals Paraguay.

As for the USWNT, they will return to action on June 9 in Fortaleza at Arena Castelão. Another 2014 and 2027 host venue, the stadium is usually called home by both Fortaleza and Ceará.

This trip will mark the USWNT’s first games against Brazil in the South American nation in 12 years. Joining them on their journey will be the U.S. Under-23 WNT, where they will be taking on “several top professional clubs in São Paulo.”

In a statement, Hayes said she was “so pleased we were able to schedule these games.

“We want to play the best teams in the most difficult environments at venues across the world as often as we can, and these two games check all those boxes. We need more games in which every fan in the stadium is cheering loudly against us and I’m looking forward seeing how our team performs and grows in these adverse conditions.”

As for Brazil’s head coach, Arthur Elias, he said, “These will be two very important games for our growth.

“The USA has an excellent team with many high-level athletes. They are historically the most successful team, and their record against Brazil is very favorable to them.

“But our work is focused on building a new history, and facing them will be another important step. Playing in Brazil will also be great for us to have the support of our fans and for everyone to watch two high-level games with great players on both sides.”

Hayes is no stranger to taking on Brazil, having led her side to a 2-0 friendly win against the 2007 Women’s World Cup finalists last summer. The previous summer, just 75 days into her tenure as head coach, Hayes’ USWNT beat Brazil 1-0 thanks to a goal from Mallory Swanson to win gold at the Paris Olympic Games.

To date, the two sides have met on 43 occasions, with the USWNT leading the head-to-head 34-4-5.