For decades, the United States was the gold standard in women's soccer. The U.S. women's national team won the first World Cup in 1991 and three more since, the most of any country, and are now five-time Olympic champions after winning gold in 2024. Top teams worldwide have long tried to replicate the USWNT's relentless "American mentality" of winning.
Today, however, Spain is the reigning World Cup champion and the top-ranked team in FIFA's world rankings. Spain's 2023 title cemented its position as the new global standard, built on an entertaining, dominant, possession-based approach. The U.S. crashed out in the round of 16 at that tournament, its worst showing at a major tournament. Spanish players are also widely considered the best in the world, and a Spanish player has won the Ballon d'Or for five years running.
Ahead of two friendlies against Spain, both USWNT head coach Emma Hayes and captain Lindsey Heaps pushed back on the framing of Spain as a possession team and the U.S. as a transitional one. The Americans have evolved since Hayes took over after that World Cup, and Spain has added more direct play to its once too-passive possession. The lesson for the U.S. is less about style than about patience, both on the field and in long-term player development.
Hayes said the danger Spain poses is its ability to exploit momentary lapses and strike quickly. Training focused on handling Spain's high pressure and closing midfield space to limit its time on the ball. Hayes also stressed that her focus is on her own team, reminding players during one scrimmage that "We are the best team in the world." The matches are designed to simulate knockout football.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing