Brazil and NWSL forward Dudinha confirmed she tore her right ACL and damaged the meniscus during Tuesday’s friendly against the United States. The injury forced her off the pitch in the 33rd minute after a clash with U.S. defender Emily Sonnett. Dudinha posted the news on Instagram, noting she will miss “a while” of action. The Brazilian side fell 1-0, ending their hopes of a comeback.

Before the setback, Dudinha had been a marquee player in the 2026 NWSL season, tallying five goals and four assists for San Diego Wave. Her nine combined contributions placed her tied for second league‑wide at the season’s midpoint, helping the Wave sit atop the table as the league pauses for the Men’s World Cup. Coach Jill Ellis praised her work rate, while teammates expect her leadership to be missed.

The Brazil‑U.S. friendly erupted into a disciplinary nightmare, with eight red cards and twenty‑nine fouls, most committed by Brazil. Coach Arthur Elias lambasted the officiating, claiming it marred an otherwise competitive game. Dudinha’s absence removes a key offensive weapon from both the national side and the Wave, forcing the club to reshuffle its attack for the July 4 return. Wave coach Casey Stoney will likely lean on veteran forward Alex Morgan to fill the void.