Japan stuns with 2-1 win over USWNT at SheBelieves Cup Final

With a tenuous draw between the USWNT and Japan heading into the SheBelieves Cup Final in San Diego on Wednesday, it was clear that Emma Hayes was relishing the opportunity to put her squad through a unique challenge. There would be no way forward except to win. As obvious as that might sound, the reality of the fixture was that although both teams were tied on points, Japan held the advantage on goal differential. This meant that if the game ended in a draw, Japan would win the SheBelieves Cup, ending the USWNT’s six-year reign as champions.

Prior to the match, Hayes welcomed the chance to give “a less experienced squad” the opportunity to test themselves against a formidable Japanese team, led by Mina Tanaka, the front-runner for tournament MVP.

However, the U.S. lineup was not without experience. Veterans Lindsey Heaps (captain), Crystal Dunn, Sam Coffey, and Emily Sonnett anchored the starting eleven, marking the second consecutive match in which Hayes rotated 10 or more players. Alongside these seasoned players, younger talents—including Yazmeen Ryan (5th cap), Ally Sentnor (5th cap), Tara McKeown (3rd cap), and Lily Yohannes (the youngest player on the roster at 17 years old)—had a prime opportunity to prove themselves ahead of upcoming international campaigns.

That test came almost immediately. Within the first two minutes, Japan’s relentless press paid off. Yuka Momiki capitalized on a defensive miscue by Emily Sonnett, slotting in a decisive finish to give Japan an early lead. The onslaught of possession and pressure made it clear that Japan was determined to set the tone from the outset.

The U.S. responded quickly. San Diego native Catarina Macario delivered a piercing ball to Ally Sentnor, who finished with confidence, securing her second goal of the tournament in just her fifth international appearance.

The Japan that the U.S. faced at the Olympics has fundamentally transformed under new head coach Nils Nielsen, who has instilled a frenetic, technical, and high-tempo style of play. This overwhelming, possession-driven approach has stifled opponents and turned Japan into a formidable force. For the USWNT, it exposed vulnerabilities, leaving the defensive line disorganized, stretched thin, and scrambling for solutions against Japan’s relentless press. The absence of Naomi Girma was particularly noticeable, as the team lacked stability both in the defensive line and in midfield.

That point was driven home in the second half. Halftime substitute Toko Koga latched onto a blocked free kick and found the back of the net, putting Japan ahead and deflating U.S. momentum. Now, the U.S. needed two goals to reclaim the trophy.

In response, Emma Hayes made key substitutions, bringing in Lynn Biyendolo and Alyssa Thompson to stretch Japan’s defense. Biyendolo slotted into the No. 9 role, as the U.S. pushed forward in search of a breakthrough. However, the experienced Japan settled into their possessive style of play taking less risks with their commanding 2-1 lead removing the space for Thompson and Biyendolo to operate.

Ultimately, Emma Hayes and the USWNT experienced a simulation of the elite levels that international women’s football continues to progress to in the run up to the World Cup. Japan is a force to be reckoned with and will continue to be a growing challenge in the years to come.