Oct 12, 2024; Austin, Texas, US; U.S. WomenÕs National Team forward Alyssa Thompson (7) passes the ball while defended by Iceland defender Saedis Run Heioarsdottir (19) during the first half at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Every international friendly is meaningless, to some extent or another. The 2024 SheBelieves Cup had a bit more on the line, given its proximity to the Olympics tournament. But the USWNT’s two matches against South Africa last autumn didn’t have much going for them. The team was without a permanent head coach, and the games themselves were valedictories to Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe, not development opportunities. As such, they were the most meaningless friendlies of the year.
Every year has games like that. This current international window offers up what may be the most meaningless friendlies of the next three years. The gold medal winners get their victory tour, but for head coach Emma Hayes, she is largely spinning her wheels until she can get to January and roll out the game…
