U.S. Women’s National Team Falls to Japan 1-0 in Final Match of Three-Game Series

On Friday, April 17, 2026, the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) suffered a 1-0 loss to Japan in the final match of a three-game friendly series, played at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. The defeat marked Japan’s third-ever victory over the United States in women’s soccer history.

Match Overview

The game-winning goal came from Japan’s Maika Hamano, who scored the lone goal of the match. The result gave Japan a 2-1 series win after the USWNT had won the opening match 2-1 on April 11 and lost the second 1-0 on April 14, both in Seattle.

Attendance for the match reached 36,128 fans, setting a new record for the largest crowd ever to attend a women’s sporting event in Seattle, despite the game being held in Colorado. This figure was noted as a significant milestone for women’s sports attendance in the United States.

Notable Player Returns

Defender Tierna Davidson made her first appearance for the USWNT since February 2025, marking her return after a lengthy absence due to injury. Her participation was highlighted as a key storyline heading into the match.

Broadcast and Viewing Information

The match was broadcast live on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max in English, with additional Spanish-language coverage on Universo and Peacock. Kickoff was scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time (7:00 p.m. Mountain Time).

Series Context

The three-game series served as part of the USWNT’s preparation for upcoming international competitions. Prior to this series, the teams had met in various tournaments, including the SheBelieves Cup and Olympic qualifying matches. The April 17 result brought Japan’s recent record against the U.S. To one win, two losses, and one draw in their last four encounters.

Conclusion

The 1-0 loss concluded a competitive three-game series that showcased both teams’ depth and tactical adjustments. Although the USWNT secured a win in the opener, Japan’s resilience in the final two matches—particularly their defensive organization and late-game execution—proved decisive. The record attendance underscored growing public interest in women’s soccer ahead of major global tournaments.