USWNT returns to action after Olympic gold with a key test against Iceland in Texas

Following the crown of the Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024, USWNT returns to the field. The team returns to the international stage for a friendly in Austin, Texas, on October 24th against Iceland-a new cycle of games starts there. These matches are not just a return to the pitch but an important opportunity for tactical changes, adding new players, and of course, maintaining their dominance in the world arena.

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USWNT vs. Iceland: A Rivalry with History

The USWNT vs. Iceland is not something new. The teams have been pitted against each other a total of 15 times, with the USWNT commanding a record of 13 wins, 2 draws, and no losses. They last met at the 2022 SheBelieves Cup, and the U.S. wrapped up that game 5-0 with top-of-the-line performances from the trio of Catarina Macario, Mallory Swanson, and Kristie Mewis, However, they are probably not as high-profile a side like many other nations, Iceland always give stiff competition, the promise they have given after sealing their qualification to the Euro 2025.

USWNT Stars Return

With such friendlies, coach Emma Hayes has brought together 26 players-18 of whom are Olympic gold medalists. A good core gives reason for confidence, but there is also room for newbies. Other players, like Yazmeen Ryan and Emma Sears, are chomping at the bit for an opportunity to make their mark and seal a place in the squad that may feature in future international games. For Hayes, the mix of experience and youth is what the setup needs to keep the U.S. women's team atop the world scene.

New Talent Meets Experience

While the likes of Lindsey Horan and Alyssa Naeher remain household names, much attention needs to be given to the impact of the newer players. One such player is Yazmeen Ryan, a speedy and technical forward with NJ/NY Gotham FC, who might become an integral part of the team's future. On the other hand, there are veterans like Iceland's Glódís Viggósdóttir, who offer experience as she currently plays for Bayern Munich and is one of the most experienced players within Iceland's set-up. With that caliber of players on the pitch, this friendly gets a little more serious and pretty much a sneak peek into what may await us with coming tournaments.

Rising Iceland: A Look at the Opposition

Coming into this match, 13th-ranked Iceland in the FIFA Women's World Rankings is high on confidence. Of course, Iceland's qualification to Euro 2025, especially after an emphatic win over Germany, sets them under the spotlight. Coach Thorsteinn Halldórsson has named a squad concentrated on the players who shone during the qualifiers. Players like Sveindís Jónsdóttir, who scored 12 goals in 40 caps, make Iceland a totally different proposition. They are also known to surprise teams in tight matches, something the USWNT should also be prepared for.

Star Power Factor in This Friendly

It also has special pull, given the players included in the Ballon d'Or Féminin nominees. Among the 30 best players in the world are US stars Lindsey Horan, Alyssa Naeher, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson, with Iceland's Glódís Viggósdóttir. This coincidence therefore gives special interest to the game and puts a seal on both teams for prestige on the global stage.

Tactical Importance of Friendlies

To Emma Hayes, these matches are more than friendlies: an opportunity to test formations, perfect team chemistry, and find tactical gaps heading into bigger competitions. The Olympics showed the team's resilience, but modern soccer requires constant evolution. Facing an organized team like Iceland-who have had success of late-presents challenges that will benefit the U.S. team in the longer term.

Expectations of the Future for the USWNT

While the friendlies against Iceland are about winning, they also represent a chance to mold the future of the U.S. women's team. The early stages of planning for the 2026 World Cup have already begun, and the performances of these new players might determine the likelihood of their making the roster for the world's biggest soccer tournament. Every match, even a friendly, carries weight in team development and building for the future.