Brazil Defeats US Women's National Team 2-1 in Pre-World Cup Match

The US national team scheduled a pair of matches in Brazil in preparation of a return for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. After quick start for the Americans, the hosts scored twice in three minutes for a 2-1 win at Sao Paulo on Saturday. Sophia Wilson in her return to the team scored in the second minute before goals by Taina Maranhao in the 11th and Bia Zaneratto in the 14th proved to be the difference. Wilson scored for the first time since 2024. She did not play for the US in 2025 to give birth to her daughter. She made an immediate impact, forcing a giveaway while among three Brazilians then sliding to the box and unleashing a drive inside the far left post for the goal. Brazil wasted no time in responding thanks to shoddy defending on a corner kick. Isabela sent the cross to the middle of the box where Maranhao had two yards separation from the closest American and used the space for a powerful header to tie it. The US were disorganized, as well, on the second goal, which started in their end, and they were unable to control the breakout. Once the ball reached the box, miscommunication between several players left Zaneratto alone in the middle for the left-footed shot. US goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn then kept the deficit from being worse with three first-half saves. Claire Hutton almost found the equalizer near the hour mark with a straight-on shot from distance that Lele made a stabbing save with her right hand. Lele left in the 81st minute with a leg injury. She made two saves. The last chance for the US came six minutes into second-half stoppage time after a restart when a bounding ball missed the stretched left foot of Jaedyn Shaw at the six-yard box. Prior to Saturday, the US played their last away match at Brazil in December 2014.