# What to Watch as the USWNT Faces Spain
The United States women’s national team has a major test ahead: two matches against Spain, one of the world’s top teams. The games give head coach Emma Hayes a chance to assess her squad, work through tactical options and identify areas to strengthen as the USWNT builds toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
With some players unavailable and questions about defensive depth, the pair of matches also offers Hayes an opportunity to make adjustments between games. Here are four key storylines to follow.
## Ashley Sanchez’s Role on the Wing
Ashley Sanchez returns to the USWNT picture after an outstanding season with the North Carolina Courage. She has traditionally played as a striker or attacking midfielder, but her recent success has come in a different position: left wing.
Under Courage coach Mak Lind, the right-footed Sanchez has been deployed on the left, where she can cut inside and shoot with her stronger foot. Her scoring form has been remarkable, and she has performed well even beyond her finishing numbers.
The USWNT’s forward line has looked relatively settled, but Sanchez’s club performances make her difficult to overlook. Her return creates useful competition and gives Hayes another option as she evaluates the attack ahead of the World Cup.
## Trinity Rodman’s Creativity Could Unlock Spain’s Defense
Trinity Rodman is a key source of unpredictability for the United States. She can create chances for teammates, attack the penalty area or generate a scoring opportunity herself—and she is comfortable operating on either wing.
Rodman has recorded 11 goals and eight assists for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL regular season. With three games remaining, she is within reach of a rare 10-goal, 10-assist season, a milestone no player has achieved in NWSL regular-season history.
Against Spain, Rodman’s movement and versatility could be especially valuable. Her ability to appear in different areas of the attack may help the USWNT disrupt a strong defense, while her passing and dribbling can create opportunities for teammates such as Sanchez.
## Could Alyssa Thompson’s New Position Affect Her Minutes?
Alyssa Thompson is usually known as a forward, but she has also played as a wing back for Chelsea this season. The position change has added a defensive dimension to her game without taking away her ability to get forward and threaten the goal.
That versatility could give Hayes another tactical option. However, the USWNT does not typically use a back-three system, so it remains to be seen how Thompson’s club role might translate to the national team.
With several attacking options available, Thompson’s place in the lineup may depend on how Hayes wants to shape the team. At 21, she has significant potential, but the Spain matches will help show how her evolving role fits into the current squad.
## Who Will Create Chances From Midfield?
The USWNT’s midfield options are thinner than expected with Croix Bethune and Olivia Moultrie unavailable. That makes the search for a secondary creator an important storyline during the Spain camp.
Mal Swanson could provide flexibility. Hayes has noted that Swanson can play in several attacking positions, including as a No. 10, winger or striker. Her return to the lineup after a limited season with the Chicago Stars gives the coach another adaptable option.
Lindsay Heaps and Lilly Yohannes are among the players expected to contribute in deeper midfield roles. But with the team’s attacking positions fluid, the player who operates ahead of them is less certain. Finding reliable depth in central areas will matter as Hayes prepares the USWNT for the challenges ahead.
## Why the Spain Matches Matter
Facing Spain twice gives Emma Hayes more than a difficult test against elite opposition. It offers the USWNT a chance to assess its attack, explore lineup combinations and address depth questions before the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Sanchez’s return, Rodman’s creative influence, Thompson’s developing versatility and the midfield’s playmaking options will all be worth watching. The results will matter, but so will what Hayes learns about her squad across the two games.