Winner-Takes-All: U.S. Faces Japan in SheBelieves Cup Final

SAN DIEGO, California — The U.S. Women’s National Team meets Japan on February 26 in a decisive match for the SheBelieves Cup title. The USA must secure a victory to claim the tournament championship, while Japan can clinch the trophy with a win or a draw in this thrilling finale.

The match at Snapdragon Stadium kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT / 10:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on TBS, Universo, Max, and Peacock.

Both teams entered this match after dominating their previous games. The U.S. team edged Australia 2-1 on February 23, thanks to a strong performance from forward Lynn Biyendolo, who scored just 41 seconds into the game. U.S. head coach Emma Hayes made significant lineup changes, showcasing the squad’s depth and versatility.

“We have a lot of young talent and it’s crucial for them to gain this experience,” Hayes said. “Every match is a stepping stone for the future.”

In the match against Australia, Michelle Cooper also made her mark by netting her first international goal. The U.S. defense, led by first-time captain Tierna Davidson, withstood a late challenge from Australia, particularly a headed goal from Michelle Heyman in the 80th minute.

On the other side of the field, Japan enters the final match with an impressive 4-1 victory over Colombia, building on their 4-0 win against Australia earlier in the tournament. Mina Tanaka has emerged as a key player for Japan, scoring four goals and providing three assists, firmly establishing her role as a playmaker.

“We came here to win, and we’re ready for the U.S.,” Tanaka declared after the victory against Colombia. “Every game is a challenge, but we are prepared.”

The historical rivalry between the U.S. and Japan adds extra dimension to this match. They have faced each other frequently in high-stakes scenarios, including the dramatic 2011 World Cup finals and the Olympic gold medal match in 2012.

In their most recent encounter during the 2024 Olympic quarterfinals, the U.S. narrowly triumphed 1-0 with a goal from Trinity Rodman, showcasing the tightly contested nature of their matchups.

This matchup promises to be no different, as both teams have rosters filled with talent and experience. The U.S. will look to capitalize on the home-field advantage, while Japan aims to secure its first SheBelieves Cup title.

As the final whistle approaches, the stage is set for a gripping showdown between two of women’s soccer’s giants.