Spain takes a two-goal lead

Spain, ranked No. 1 in the world, controlled the first half at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, and led 2-0 at half-time. Alexia Putellas opened the scoring in the 27th minute with her 43rd international goal, a tap-in at the far post from a pass by Clara Pinedo. Some five minutes later, a misplayed ball from U.S. goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce set up Salma Paralluelo, whose blast hit the crossbar and dropped into the net. Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, made her 150th appearance for Spain in the match. The teams had already met on Saturday, 10 October, in Washington D.C., where Spain won, by 2-0 according to one account and 3-0 according to another.

Key moments in the 2-2 draw with Spain
  1. Alexia Putellas gives Spain a 1-0 lead, her 43rd international goal
  2. Salma Paralluelo's shot hits the crossbar and goes in, 2-0 Spain
  3. Ashley Sanchez pulls the United States back to 2-1
  4. Mallory Swanson equalizes, 2-2

Sanchez and Swanson rescue a draw

The United States came back in the second half with goals from two players returning after long absences. Ashley Sanchez, who has scored a league-leading 20 goals in 27 games for the North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, pulled the team back to 2-1 early in the second half, in the 49th minute according to the New York Times. Mallory Swanson equalized in the 86th minute with a volley after Michelle Cooper sent a long ball over from Kate Del Fava. It was Swanson's first goal since the gold-medal match at the 2024 Olympics, and she had spent 2025 on maternity leave for the birth of her daughter. Lily Yohannes nearly scored in stoppage time, but Misa Rodríguez made a diving save to keep the score level.

Coaching changes and absences

U.S. coach Emma Hayes made four changes from the lineup she used on Saturday, including handing Phallon Tullis-Joyce the start in goal. Hayes then made repeated substitutions over the final 15 minutes, and the two coaches made 16 substitutions in total. Spain was missing several key players, including Aitana Bonmatí, who is still working her way back from a broken leg, and Mariona Caldentey, Vicky López and goalkeeper Cata Coll, who were all unavailable because of injuries. Spain coach Sonia Bermúdez kept a strong starting group, with Irene Paredes partnering María Méndez in central defense.

Two returns and a World Cup test

The draw came after a run of poor finishing for both returning forwards, measured in days by the Guardian. Sanchez had gone 1,648 days without a international goal, and Swanson 801 days, before both scored in the second half.

Days without an international goal before the draw (days)
Ashley Sanchez1,648Mallory Swanson801

The United States is due back in World Cup qualifying in late November. Spain has already qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, and the friendlies were used as preparation for the United States ahead of qualifying later this year.