United States gets scrappy win as Brazil sees 8 red cards

Updated: Jun 10, 2026, 01:24 am

Sophia Wilson forced an own goal in the second half for the United States in a scrappy 1-0 win over Brazil in Fortaleza on Tuesday night in which the home side finished with nine players and was shown a total of eight red cards.

The Americans got a small measure of revenge on Brazil, which beat the U.S. 2-1 in the first of the teams' two friendlies on Sunday.

Wilson helped break the deadlock early in the second half after a feisty and physical opening 45 minutes ended scoreless. The Portland Thorns striker's shot deflected off Isabela Chagas for a Brazil own goal.

U.S. coach Emma Hayes had said in the lead-up to the game that the USWNT would need to be tougher to beat Brazil in the second match as she tested her team on the road against next summer's Women's World Cup host.

Brazil coach Arthur Elias and some of his staff, as well as Bia Zaneratto, were all sent off in the second half as emotions boiled over in front of an electric home crowd of 55, 144 at Arena Castelão. Tarciane was then sent off for elbowing Wilson -- and two more players after the final whistle -- to bring the total number of red cards shown to eight.

USWNT players celebrate after scoring a goal against Brazil in a friendly in Fortaleza.
USWNT players celebrate after scoring a goal against Brazil in a friendly in Fortaleza.
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Trinity Rodman was available off the bench as a substitute and came into the game to start the second half. She left the first game against Brazil in discomfort after being on the receiving end of a hard foul.

Marta, a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, was subbed into the match in the 80th minute, making her 212th appearance for Brazil.

Dudinha appeared to hurt her right knee in a collision with Emily Sonnett in the 30th minute and was stretchered off the field in obvious pain. The 20-year-old forward, who plays for the San Diego Wave in the NWSL, returned to the bench in the second half on crutches.

Brazil had won the last two matches against the United States.

The U.S. will now go on a lengthy hiatus from international competition, with its next match coming Nov. 27 against El Salvador in the Concacaf W Championship as part of the qualifying cycle for the 2027 World Cup.

Information from ESPN Global Research and The Associated Press was used in this recap.