Spain and United States, without friendlies, say in EFE

Sonia Bermúdez, head coach of the Spanish women's national football team, said yesterday in Washington that “there are no friendlies” between Spain and the United States, as both teams are focusing on the World Cup that will be held in Brazil next year.

Two matches without friendlies

The games will be played this Saturday at Audi Field in Washington and will be repeated three days later at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania. Bermúdez emphasized that “We are two teams for whom there are no friendlies, we both want to compete 100 percent of the time,” in a talk at the Atlantic Council in Washington about the global impact of women's football.

Both matches will see the Spanish national team, which tops the FIFA ranking, face the United States national team, number two in the same ranking. For 'La Roja' they are the highest‑level test before the Brazil World Cup, a qualification that was confirmed four months ago.

Fans and support

With tickets practically sold out, Bermúdez highlighted the great reception that women's football has always enjoyed in the United States. The coach recalled that she played for the Western New York Flash in 2014 and noted that the stadiums were always full, describing the supportive mindset toward women's ‘soccer’ as “brutal”.

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In the same talk, the assistant coach, Iraia Iturregi, also participated, recalling her stint at Florida State University in 2006 and the importance given there to women's football. Iturregi recounted that, as a child, she watched the 1999 World Cup final, where the United States beat China, and asked her mother for Mia Hamm’s jersey.

In the list of call‑ups, Mariona Caldentey withdrew due to discomfort, while Natalia Ramos and Begoña Villarrubia were added to the squad. The coach also noted the presence of Yaca García‑Planas, who has attracted attention at Arsenal.

The event was also attended by the RFEF's director of women's football, Reyes Bellver, and the national team’s coaching staff. Bermúdez closed the day wishing that the two matches, among the favorites to lift the World Cup, provide “a great spectacle” and that the public enjoy them to the fullest.