On a crisp Monday morning at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Los Rozas, the Spanish women’s national team gathered for a crucial training session. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming friendlies against the United States, yet one familiar face was missing: Aitana Bonmatí, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner.
Coach Sonia Bermúdez announced a near‑full roster, bringing back the core of the squad that lifted the World Cup in Australia last year. Bonmatí, however, was held back after a brief 12‑minute appearance for Barcelona this past weekend, where she was still nursing an ankle issue.
“Aitana is a fundamental player for us,” Bermúdez said at the press conference, emphasizing the hope that the midfielder will recover fully before rejoining the team. The selected players will face the United States on October 10 in Washington and again on October 13 in Pennsylvania, matches that, while friendly, pit the reigning world champions against the Olympic title‑holders.
Beyond the immediate preparation, the games serve as a barometer for the two nations as they eye the 2027 World Cup in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracanã. Spain aims to fine‑tune its tactics and gauge the depth of its squad, while the United States looks to test its own mettle against the champions.