Have the USWNT progressed since the 2025 defeat to Japan?

The U.S. women’s national team defeated Japan 2-1 over the weekend, getting revenge for a 2025 loss by the same scoreline to the same opponent. But, is this result proof that Emma Hayes’s team has progressed?

On this episode of Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin, who was out in San Jose, Calif., to take in the USWNT’s first of three friendlies against Japan. Who were the USWNT’s top performers? How did Japan test the USA? What did the pod make of Sophia Wilson’s first USWNT start since 2024? Did we get closer to understanding the status of Hayes’s A and B teams? And, what changes to the starting XI will she make for Tuesday’s trip to Lumen Field in Seattle?

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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

USWNT 2, Japan 1: Rose Lavelle scores in 100th start, Sophia Wilson returns

USWNT’s next test: Japan, champions of Asia, with a roster of international stars in the making

Claire Hutton interview: Ronaldinho influence, USWNT leadership and Japan test

Emma Hayes’ rebuild of the USWNT is taking shape – and already reaping rewards

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