USWNT's 2-2 draw with Spain maps the work that's ahead of the 2027 World Cup for hungry USA soccer

The Americans proved that they can compete with the best team in the world, but there is work to do CHESTER, Pa. – From the moment the first ball was kicked, it felt like a game with high stakes between the United States and Spain as titans of the game clashed. In total, 18,648 fans in Chester cheered every clearance, tackle, and promising attack at the top of their lungs until, and as she does to many a team around the world, Alexia Putellas took the air out of the stadium by splitting the USWNT central defense, but they were able to show resilience as Mallory Swanson drew level in the 86th minute of play for a 2-2 draw.

As the road to the 2027 World Cup becomes clearer by the day, one thing is evident. Spain are the team to beat, as no matter who Sonia Bermudez puts in the lineup, Spain will be compact in defense and pull you out of position to finish their own chances. This is a spot the USWNT used to be in, but as Hayes figures out her best XI on the fly while missing key players like Naomi Girma, who was supposed to be in this camp before picking up an injury with Chelsea, there's a way to go in order to