USWNT defeats Brazil 1-0 in Fortaleza

The United States women's national team defeated Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday at Arena Castelão in Fortaleza, Brazil. Brazil received eight red cards during and after the match. Two of those cards were issued after the final whistle.

Match details The game featured repeated confrontations and multiple ejections.

Four coaches, including the Brazil head coach, were sent off. Two players received red cards during regulation, and two more were ejected after the final whistle. Police in riot gear surrounded the referees in the closing moments.

USWNT response The United States had not beaten Brazil on home soil since 1997.

The team ended that streak and showed the physical response its coach said would be needed for next year's FIFA Women's World Cup, also scheduled for Brazil. >"The country that has long defined the beautiful game produced one of the ugliest on record Tuesday." — Jeff Kassouf, ESPN, June 10, 2026

preparation The match followed a 2-1 loss to Brazil three days earlier. The United States team prepared for the physical and hostile environment, which its coach described as unlike typical road games in Europe. The result gives the squad experience ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup on the same grounds.