The champions are back! After three months of winning the gold at the Paris Olympics, the USWNT returns to action for the October-friendly window. Facing Iceland twice, the first clash is set to take place on October 24th in Austin, Texas. The last time both sides faced each other was almost 2 years ago when the American ladies thrashed Stelpurnar Okkar 5-0.

Of course, Emma Hayes and Co. are playing for the very first time after the Summer Games. The 4x World Champions would be buzzing to put on a remarkable show and further extend their winning streak. However, considering this is a ‘victory tour’, most of the team’s focus would be on celebrating its emphatic triumph in Paris. No wonder the majority of the squad is also kept the same with just a few minor tweaks.

Meanwhile, Iceland enters the match with some great enthusiasm as well. That’s because they are returning to action after almost 8 months of break, having last competed in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, where they managed to secure an aggregate 3-2 win over Serbia in the promotion and relegation match.  

USWNT vs Iceland: Team news

Injuries

USWNT

Trinity Rodman is one of the key players missing from the upcoming friendlies, despite her recent return from a back injury in Washington Spirit’s 4-1 victory over Racing Louisville. The 22-year-old had limited playing time and is currently undergoing rehab ahead of the NWSL playoffs.

Croix Bethune, meanwhile, was ruled out for the season after tearing her meniscus while throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a Washington Nationals game in late August. Defender Tierna Davidson also suffered an injury recently while playing for NJ/NY Gotham FC. As for Crystal Dunn, who appeared in all six USWNT matches at the Olympics, U.S. Soccer cited “personal commitments” as the reason for her absence.

Iceland

Thorsteinn Halldórsson is blessed with a healthy squad and has no injured players for this month’s friendly fixtures.

Predicted lineups

USWNT [4-3-3]: A. Naeher; Fox, Girma, Krueger, Sonnett; Albert, Horan, Lavelle; Smith, Williams, Swanson.

Iceland [4-3-3]: T.Ívarsdóttir; G. Arnardóttir, G. Viggósdóttir, I. Sigurðardóttir, S. Heiðarsdóttir; H. Antonsdóttir, A. Jóhannsdóttir, H. Eiríksdóttir; K. Vilhjálmsdóttir, S. Jónsdóttir, E. Kristjánsdóttir.

Head-to-head stats and prediction

Total matches: 6

Won by USWNT: 5

Won by Iceland: 0

Draw: 1

Looking at the previous records, it’s clear America has dominated the European nation on the pitch. Hence, today gives them no reason to do otherwise. 

Watch USWNT vs Iceland on TV Channels and livestream

Fans in the US can catch both games live on MAX (formerly HBO Max), Peacock, and Universo. The first match will also air on TBS, while the second will be additionally broadcast on Tru TV and TNT Sports.