Japan Defeats USWNT 1-0 in Record-Breaking Seattle Friendly
- Women's National Team (USWNT) 1-0 in an international friendly on April 14, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.
- The lone goal of the match came in the 27th minute from Japan midfielder Maika Hamano.
- Despite the loss, the United States controlled the majority of the match with 67 percent possession.
Japan defeated the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) 1-0 in an international friendly on April 14, 2026, at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. The result ended a 10-game winning streak for the United States.
The lone goal of the match came in the 27th minute from Japan midfielder Maika Hamano. According to reporting from FOX 13 Seattle, Hamano used a shot-fake to create space and beat U.S. Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce. Hamano has now recorded four goals in her last five caps.
Match Analysis and Key Statistics
Despite the loss, the United States controlled the majority of the match with 67 percent possession. However, Japan maintained an aggressive press when in possession and successfully shut out the American offense.
Japan goalkeeper Akane Okuma played a critical role in the victory, recording five saves. The U.S. Had a significant opportunity to equalize in the 74th minute, but three combined shots from the box by Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor were blocked by the Japanese defense.
Japan nearly doubled their lead in the 64th minute, but Phallon Tullis-Joyce made a save against Manaka Matsukubo to keep the score at 1-0.
Venue and Attendance
The match took place in front of 36,128 fans at Lumen Field. This fixture marked the first game played on the stadium’s new grass surface, which was installed in preparation for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Series Context and Coaching Reaction
This match was the second meeting in a three-game friendly series between the two nations. The United States won the first encounter on April 12, 2026, with a 2-1 victory in San Jose.
U.S. Head coach Emma Hayes praised the Japanese squad following the defeat.
Emma Hayes
They’re a world-class team,I think when you win the first one, inevitably, the second one becomes that challenge. They are a top side, so we have to give them a lot of credit, and game on for the third game.
The two teams are scheduled to meet for the third and final friendly of the series on Friday, April 17, 2026.