After a shocking 1-2 defeat to Portugal in their October 23 opener at Subaru Park, Rose Lavelle’s lightning-fast goal was overshadowed by two set-piece goals. For the second time in four days, the USWNT vs Portugal facing each other on Sunday, October 26. The USWNT heads into Sunday’s rematch at Pratt & Whitney Stadium eager to restore pride under new coach Emma Hayes.
The defeat ended a nearly decade-long unbeaten streak against the Europeans, exposing growing pains in a young squad mixing NWSL stars with rising talents.
Portugal, fresh off breaking an eight-match winless streak, come in confident but weary from the quick turnaround, with no significant injuries reported aside from minor knocks to Jéssica Silva.
For the USWNT, winger Trinity Rodman is out with a back injury, while Lindsey Horan deals with a thigh strain—leading Hayes to vow “significant changes” in both lineup and tactics. This doubleheader finale gives Hayes an important challenge ahead of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, with the Americans expected to deliver a strong performance in front of a packed Connecticut crowd.
USWNT vs Portugal Women’s Friendly Match Date, Time, Predictions, and More
The second leg of this Women’s International Friendly doubleheader sees the USWNT chasing atonement against a confident Portugal in a fixture blending youth development and tactical evolution. Kickoff is on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 4:00 PM ET (1:00 PM PT) at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut. North American fans in the USA and Canada, tune in for afternoon action, while Aussies catch the early Monday slot.
Predictions favor a USWNT 3-1 win, as Hayes’ adjustments—emphasizing midfield steel and wide threats—should overwhelm Portugal’s set-piece reliance, though the visitors’ counter-pace remains a thorn. This USWNT vs Portugal preview delivers lineup insights, live streams, and stats for your women’s soccer fix.
- Teams – USWNT vs Portugal (friendly)
- When: Sunday, October 26
- Where: Pratt & Whitney Stadium, East Hartford, Connecticut
- Time: 4 p.m. ET
Team News and Analysis
The USWNT’s October roster features 26 players, with a strong focus on under-23 talents like Olivia Moultrie and Lily Yohannes. While the opener showed promise, physicality and finishing were challenges, with just five of 16 shots on target.
Rodman (back) is out, and Horan (thigh) is doubtful, but Alyssa Thompson and Catarina Macário return from bench duty. In her fourth match as coach, Hayes aims for a 4-3-3 reboot, using the team’s 62% possession average to control the tempo. The attack has produced 15 goals in recent friendlies, though defensive issues on corners remain a concern.
Portugal, ranked 22nd, impressed with 51% possession and sharp dead-ball execution in a shocking upset, breaking their drought since the 2023 World Cup near-miss against the USA. No new injuries reported, but fatigue could be a factor after travel.
Jéssica Silva, the midfield engine, and Ana Capeta, a key scorer, lead a team that mixes experienced players like Carole Costa with promising young talent. Coach Francisco Neto relies on a compact 4-3-1-2 formation, thriving in transitions with 1.2 goals per game in qualifiers, though their away record (two wins in eight) adds a note of caution.
Match Analysis
The USWNT’s strong depth and home advantage should counter Portugal’s press, though early intensity is likely. Hayes’ substitutes, such as Yazmeen Ryan, could spark a second-half boost. Set-pieces will be crucial, as the USA has recently conceded 20% of their goals from them.
Head-to-Head Record
The USWNT historically dominated with four wins and one draw across five prior meetings, but Portugal’s October 23 upset evens the ledger at 4-1-1. Matches average 1.5 goals, often cagey, though the opener’s drama signals openness.
All-time H2H
| Date | Competition | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2025 | International Friendly | USWNT 1-2 Portugal | 1-2 |
| Aug 1, 2023 | FIFA Women’s World Cup | Portugal 0-0 USWNT | 0-0 |
| Jun 11, 2021 | International Friendly | USWNT 0-0 Portugal | 0-0 |
| Sep 4, 2019 | International Friendly | USWNT 2-0 Portugal | 2-0 |
| Aug 30, 2019 | International Friendly | USWNT 2-0 Portugal | 2-0 |
| Nov 9, 2018 | International Friendly | Portugal 0-1 USWNT | 0-1 |
The USWNT’s Hartford venue adds edge, unbeaten there in 12 internationals.
Predicted XI Lineups
USWNT Starting Lineup XI (4-3-3)
Phallon Tullis-Joyce (GK) – Avery Patterson, Jordyn Bugg, Emily Sams, Lilly Reale – Claire Hutton, Olivia Moultrie, Lily Yohannes – Ally Sentnor, Catarina Macario, Yazmeen Ryan
Portugal Starting Lineup XI (4-3-1-2)
Ines Pereira(GK) – Catarina Amado, Carolina Correia, Diana Gomes, Lucia Alves – Andreia Jacinto, Fatima Pinto, Tatiana Pinto – Andreia Norton – Jessica Silva, Ana Capeta
These projections reflect Hayes’ promised rotations for freshness, shifting to a dynamic midfield, while Neto maintains set-piece focus. Bench impacts: Thompson (USWNT) and Costa (Portugal) for late twists.
Key Players
- USWNT: Catarina Macário – The Lyon star’s vision (three assists in qualifiers) could dismantle Portugal’s midfield; her starting role post-bench tests her big-game nous.
- Portugal: Jéssica Silva – The Lyon winger’s pace and delivery (two goals in opener) threaten transitions; her duels with US full-backs will shape counters.
Match Prediction
Buoyed by Hayes’ tweaks and home support, the USWNT rebound emphatically from the midweek shock, overpowering Portugal’s grit with superior quality and depth. A multi-goal response restores momentum. Predicted score: USWNT 3-1 Portugal. Expect USA dominance after halftime, validating the youth experiment.
Where to Watch (USA, Canada, Australia, and Europe)
Catch USWNT vs Portugal live with these women’s soccer streaming guides, primed for North American afternoons and global audiences:
- USA: TNT and truTV (English), Universo (Spanish); stream on HBO Max or Peacock. Starts 4:00 PM ET.
- Canada: DAZN Canada ($29.99/month) or TSN for live coverage. 4:00 PM ET kickoff.
- Australia: Optus Sport ($24.99/month, 30-day trial). Begins 7:00 AM AEDT (Monday, October 27).
- Europe: Sky Sports (UK, £14.99 add-on); beIN Sports (France/Spain); DAZN (Germany/Italy). EU-wide: Viaplay (Nordics) or local broadcasters.
Highlights via the US Soccer app post-match. ExpressVPN unlocks geo-blocks. USA! USA! or Força Portugal—enjoy the redemption arc!