USA women’s team ends Brazil’s winning streak with Fortaleza victory
The United States secured a 1-0 win at Castelão stadium, capitalising on a defensive error and Brazil’s late red cards to reverse results from their recent encounter in São Paulo.
The United States women’s national team defeated Brazil 1-0 in a friendly match at Castelão stadium in Fortaleza on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. The result halted Brazil’s two-match winning streak against their North American rivals, who had previously secured a 2-1 victory in São Paulo three days prior. The decisive moment occurred when a long-range shot from USA player Wilson deflected off Brazilian defender Isabela, resulting in an own goal that proved sufficient for the visitors.
The match attracted a record crowd of 55,744 spectators for a Brazil national team friendly held domestically. CBF president Samir Xaud attended the event as the host nation sought to maintain momentum following their recent successes. Brazil created early opportunities, including a first-half header by Isa Haas that was ruled out for offside, but the USA maintained structural discipline throughout the contest.
Brazil goalkeeper Lorena, a Paris 2024 Olympic silver medallist, was instrumental in keeping the scoreline close. She made several key interventions, including acrobatic stops in the first half against shots from Sears and Wilson. Her performance was particularly notable in first-half stoppage time, where she preserved the goal from two high-quality attempts, drawing applause from the home supporters.
The match was marred by significant disciplinary issues for the host nation. In the 31st minute, Brazilian player Dudinha departed the field with severe knee pain, leaving the team to fight with ten players for the remainder of the contest. The situation deteriorated further in the second half when Bia Zaneratto and Tarciane were sent off, reducing Brazil to nine players. Head coach Arthur Elias was also shown a red card during the period.
Following the final whistle, Spanish referee Paola Lopez issued additional red cards to players Kerolin and Ludmila for dissent. Veteran forward Marta, who had not played since last year’s Copa América, entered the match for the final minutes. The result marks a shift in form for the two teams, with the USA reversing the outcome of their previous meeting at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo.
