In a friendly match held at Lumen Field in Seattle, the United States women's national team (USWNT) faced Japan and suffered a 1-0 defeat. The match took place in challenging weather conditions, with rain affecting gameplay. Head coach Emma Hayes opted for a completely new lineup, featuring younger players, including 20-year-old Claire Hutton, who captained the team for the first time. Japan struck first with a goal from Maika Hamano in the 27th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse. Despite several attempts, the USWNT struggled to convert opportunities, with their best chance coming late in stoppage time, which was saved by Japan's goalkeeper Akane Okuma. The match attracted an impressive crowd of 36,128 fans, marking the USWNT's first game in Seattle in over ten years, following the installation of grass at the venue ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This match served as a learning experience for the younger USWNT players, highlighting areas for improvement against a cohesive Japanese team.