USWNT to Begin 2026 with Southern California Camp and Paraguay Friendly

USWNT Ready to Kick Off 2026 in Southern California

USWNT will open 2026 with its highly anticipated annual January training camp in Southern California, marking a significant moment for the team and fans. Scheduled from January 17–27 at Dignity Health Sports Park, this key camp will jumpstart preparations for a pivotal year as the squad eyes World Cup qualification and a strong showing in the upcoming Concacaf W Championship.

Key Focus: Intensive Preparation and Team Cohesion

Head coach Emma Hayes has highlighted the critical role of the January camp. She emphasized that the uninterrupted week of training, combined with two competitive friendlies, will be essential for refining tactics and building team chemistry. “January camp is a vitally important part of our yearly schedule, especially with 2026 being a year that will host World Cup qualifying,” Hayes stated. She stressed the value of these rare, extended training days, noting the team’s progress during 2025 but also acknowledging that more work is needed to reach peak form ahead of the Concacaf W Championship.

USWNT to Host Paraguay and Celebrate Christen Press

The highlight of the camp will be the friendly against Paraguay on January 24. This match will be especially memorable due to a planned retirement celebration for Los Angeles native Christen Press. One of the most decorated forwards in USWNT history, Press has scored 64 international goals, ranking ninth all-time, and played a vital role in the team’s 2015 and 2019 World Cup victories. Her farewell will be a poignant moment for teammates and fans at Dignity Health Sports Park.

Return to a Historic Venue

Returning to Dignity Health Sports Park holds special significance for the USWNT. Last year’s January camp was relocated to Fort Lauderdale because of wildfires in the Los Angeles area, making this return to the team’s most familiar venue even more meaningful. Since opening in 2003, the stadium has hosted 21 USWNT matches—more than any other venue in program history.

USWNT January Training Camp Sets the Stage for 2026

Following the Paraguay match, the USWNT will play a second friendly on January 27, with the opponent to be announced soon. These fixtures are more than just games—they represent the first steps toward a crucial year where every detail matters. With World Cup qualifying looming later in 2026, the January camp provides a foundation for roster selection, tactical evolution, and team unity.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Concacaf W Championship

The upcoming camp and matches are not only about immediate results but also about laying the groundwork for the bigger challenges ahead. The fall’s Concacaf W Championship will serve as the World Cup qualifying tournament, and every minute spent together in January will pay dividends when the stakes are highest.

Opinion: A New Era with Tradition and Ambition

The USWNT’s commitment to rigorous preparation, combined with honoring legends like Christen Press, underscores the blend of tradition and ambition that has defined the program for decades. The return to Southern California, a location with deep ties to the team’s history, brings an added layer of motivation. With a new coach at the helm and the next generation of stars stepping up, 2026 promises to be a defining year for US women’s soccer. For more news on USWNT and global football, visit for more news.