The 11th edition of the SheBelieves Cup gets underway today as the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) begins its quest for an eighth title. The USWNT vs Argentina match is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. local CT) as part of the opening double-header of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.
Facing Argentina in a high-stakes opener at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, head coach Emma Hayes is moving into a new phase of squad development as the team looks to reclaim the trophy from Japan.
USWNT vs Argentina Match Preview, Date, Time, Predictions, and More
Table of Contents
- Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026.
- Kick-off Time: 5:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM CT.
- Venue: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee.
- Format: Round-robin (all ties go directly to penalty shootouts).
Team News & Tactical Outlook
USWNT: The Era of Refinement
Emma Hayes enters this tournament with a clear shift in strategy. After a 2025 focused on experimentation and record-breaking player caps, the 2026 roster features no uncapped players for the first time in over a year. This signals a period of refinement as the USWNT builds toward 2027 World Cup qualifying.
- Injury Update: Defensive replacements were made late this week; Avery Patterson replaced Kate Wiesner (calf), and Emily Sams joined for the injured Jordyn Bugg (hamstring).
- Milestones: Trinity Rodman is set to earn her 50th cap tonight, becoming the 71st player in USWNT history to reach this milestone.
- Tactical Focus: Expect a high-pressing 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, leveraging the chemistry of NWSL standouts and European stars like Lindsey Horan (Lyon) and Naomi Girma (Chelsea).
Argentina: Seeking the Upset
Ranked 30th in the world, Argentina returns for their second SheBelieves Cup appearance, having previously appeared in 2021.
- The Underdog Factor: Argentina has never defeated or even drawn the USA, losing all six previous meetings by a combined score of 35-0.
- Strategy: Underdogs in Nashville, La Albiceleste will likely sit in a deep defensive block, hoping to capitalize on physical intensity and set pieces to frustrate the US attack.
Head-to-Head History
Historically, the USWNT has maintained a perfect 6-0-0 record against Argentina, never suffering a loss or draw against “La Albiceleste.” The U.S. has outscored Argentina by an impressive 35-1 margin in these encounters.
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2024 | International Friendly | USA 3 – 0 ARG |
| Feb 23, 2024 | Concacaf W Gold Cup | ARG 0 – 4 USA |
| Feb 24, 2021 | SheBelieves Cup | USA 6 – 0 ARG |
| Oct 28, 2023 | Pan American Games | USA 4 – 0 ARG |
USWNT SheBelieves Cup roster
- Goalkeepers (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, ENG)
- Defenders (9): Emily Fox (Arsenal FC, ENG), Naomi Girma (Chelsea FC, ENG), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit), Emily Sams (Angel City FC), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave FC)
- Midfielders (8): Sam Coffey (Manchester City, ENG), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes, FRA), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns FC), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes, FRA)
- Forwards (6): Maddie Dahlien (Seattle Reign FC), Jameese Joseph (Chicago Stars FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville FC), Ally Sentn
USWNT vs Argentina Starting XI
USA (4-3-3):
Tullis-Joyce; Fox, Girma, Sonnett, Sams; Coffey, Horan, Lavelle; Rodman, Smith, Swanson.
(Note: Official lineups will be released approximately 60 minutes before kick-off at the official Match Hub.)
Where to Watch USA & Canada
Watch 2026 SheBelieves Cup live on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max (English), or Universo and Peacock (Spanish).
| Region | TV Channel | Live Stream |
| USA (English) | TNT, truTV | HBO Max |
| USA (Spanish) | Universo | Peacock |
| Canada | OneSoccer | fuboTV Canada |
| Radio (USA) | Westwood One (Eng) | Fútbol de Primera (Esp) |
