The Portuguese women’s national football team views its upcoming friendly matches against the United States as crucial tests for development, providing valuable experience ahead of the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Francisco Neto underscored the strategic importance of these fixtures, acknowledging the challenges of facing a top-ranked opponent. He called the matches “stimuli” that the Portuguese squad desperately needs for its ongoing growth.
“We know that when we play against the best teams in the world, we always have to be very organized, with great rigor,” Neto told reporters Wednesday at a training facility near Lisbon. “We feel that we need this type of challenge.”
Neto emphasized that while the games are difficult, they are integral to the team’s long-term process. He said playing four-time world champions like the U.S. would bring significant benefits for future preparations, specifically citing the qualification campaign for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
Team captain Dolores Silva echoed her coach’s sentiments, highlighting the value of competing against elite international squads. She noted that playing the best helps the team assess its current standing and capabilities.
Silva recalled the last encounter between the two nations, a 0-0 draw at the 2023 World Cup in New Zealand. She suggested that Portugal’s strong performance in that match surprised many but was a direct result of their dedicated work.
The first match is scheduled for Thursday at 7 PM ET in Chester, Pennsylvania (2300 GMT). The teams will meet again on Sunday at 4 PM ET in East Hartford, Connecticut (2000 GMT).