Upcoming Matches for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team
In October, the U.S. women’s national soccer team is set to face off against Portugal in two friendly matches as they kick off a new chapter at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri—the first ground specifically designed for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. The games will take place on October 23 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, and on October 26 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium located at Renschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.
Honoring Key Players
Prior to these matches, the team will recognize two notable players from their ranks: former forward Alex Morgan and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. Morgan will be celebrated for her impressive 15-year career just before the game in Chester, where she famously netted her first international goal in 2010. With a total of 123 goals to her name, she stands as one of the leading scorers in USWNT history, having played key roles in the 2012 Olympic gold medal win and World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019.
Naeher, who also made her mark on the team’s success—including their fifth Olympic gold medal—will be honored in her hometown, East Hartford, where she ranks third all-time for goalkeeper appearances in USWNT history, trailing only legends Hope Solo and Briana Scurry. Despite having announced her retirement from international play last year, Naeher continues her professional career with the Chicago Stars FC, although she hasn’t participated in games since May due to an injury.
Final Match of the October Series
The match in Kansas City on October 29 will be the culmination of the October series, although the opponent for this particular meeting is yet to be disclosed. It’s important to note that playing at the 11,500-seat CPKC Stadium—fewer than the 15,000 seats stipulated in the players’ collective bargaining agreement—required the approval of the USWNT Players Association. U.S. Soccer’s decision to schedule a game at this venue reflects the investment made by Kansas City Current owners Angie and Chris Long, which has been described by head coach Emma Hayes as crucial for supporting the women’s game’s growth in the U.S.
She expressed enthusiasm about experiencing the stadium’s atmosphere, noting the passionate support from Kansas City fans and the significance of playing there despite its smaller capacity.
Previous Encounter and Future Plans
The last encounter between the USWNT and Portugal occurred in the 2023 World Cup group stage, resulting in a tense goalless draw, with Portugal almost pulling off a dramatic last-minute score that would have knocked the U.S. from the tournament. This matchup will mark Portugal’s continuous evolution as a competitive squad, with Hayes acknowledging their determination while emphasizing that the USWNT will use this opportunity to improve further.
In a prelude to the October 26 game, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team is scheduled to compete against an opponent yet to be confirmed. As the USWNT gears up for these head-to-head encounters, they are also planning to conclude their 2025 schedule with additional matches during the international window starting November 24.
