USWNT-Japan series all even after Japan’s win in second meeting
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - APRIL 14: Mina Tanaka #11 of Japan is challenged by Emily Sonnett #14 of United States during the International Friendly match between United States and Japan at Lumen Field on April 14, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Olivia Vanni/USSF/Getty Images) | Getty Images For the second time in just a few days, the United States Women’s National Team were set to take the pitch against Japan as the two continued to get real comfortable this international window. This will be the second of three matchups between the two sides that many view as early favorites for the upcoming 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
After their Women’s Asian Cup win over Australia just over a month ago, Japan were looking to send a message that they are indeed for real, going up against the always tough USWNT. In their first match, it was the United States that got the best of their opponents, but it wasn’t anywhere near a dominant showing. Now, Japan will be looking to get their lick back, while USWNT will be looking to further show that while they may be young, and in the midst of an era shift, they are still the standard when it comes to global women’s soccer.
Popular, you're gonna be popular ✨ pic. twitter. com/iabXrQxZtx — U.
S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 15, 2026 In true Pacific Northwest fashion, the pitch was soggy and slick from the day’s rain, something Japan looked to take advantage of early. While both sides came out with early opportunities, it was Japan who were able to test Phallon Tullis-Joyce early with a couple of good looks at goal that required some effort from the American keeper.
USWNT had a couple of really good looks of their own, one coming by way of a Patterson cross into the box that was narrowly missed with the headed effort, and then bounced back post for Emma Sears who had her second effort blocked. In the end, it was Japan who struck first behind some really great passing that finished with Maika Hamano sending in a strike that rose just past the outstretched Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who did just get fingertips on it, but the pace and strength of the shot was too much and Japan found their first half lead. Japan open the scoring in Seattle through Maika Hamano 🇯🇵 pic.
Continue to the original source for the full article.