CHICAGO – The United States Women’s National Team will play its first match following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Cincinnati, U.S. Soccer announced today. On Sept. 21, the USWNT and South Africa will face off in a friendly at TQL Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (TNT, Universo & Peacock).
Both the USA and South Africa will be coming off participating in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The USA will be making its ninth appearance all-time at the FIFA Women’s World Cup while South Africa is making its second.Â
“We are thrilled to again host the U.S. Women’s National Team at TQL Stadium,” said Jeff Berding, FC Cincinnati Co-CEO. “It will be a fun evening this September to showcase our award-winning stadium and incredible sports vibe in Cincinnati. We have a proud history of hosting exciting events with U.S. Soccer, including the USWNT’s 8-0 win over Paraguay and the USMNT’s Dos a Cero victory over Mexico in World Cup qualifying, both in 2021. We are looking forward to welcoming Rose Lavelle and Aubrey Kingsbury back home from the World Cup as the USWNT and South Africa come to the Queen City.”
Additionally, U.S. Soccer announced a friendly between the USWNT and South Africa in Chicago, on Sept. 24 at Soldier Field.
South Africa is just one of two African teams the USWNT has faced in its history (with Nigeria being the other) and the September meetings will be just the third and fourth matchups all-time between the two countries. The USA most recently played the Banyana Banyana in May of 2019, a 2-0 win in Santa Clara, Calif.
“The focus right now is of course on the World Cup, but to get two great matches in our first games back in the USA in two stadiums that are really fun to play in will be awesome for our players and the fans,” said U.S. head coach Vlatko Andonovski. “South Africa has talented players so I’m sure these will be two entertaining games.”
The match at TQL Stadium marks the USWNT’s second at FC Cincinnati’s home and first since Sept. of 2021 when hometown hero Rose Lavelle scored a goal and had three assists against Paraguay. Aubrey Kingsbury, goalkeeper on this year’s World Cup Team, also hails from Cincinnati.
TICKETS
Presales for both matches will begin on Wednesday, July 19 with the public sale beginning on Tuesday, July 25. 2023 FC Cincinnati season ticket holders, as well as 2024 deposit holders, will have a presale window beginning Friday, July 21 at 11 a.m. ET. Depending on remaining ticket availability, groups of 20 or more can order at ussoccer.com starting Wednesday, July 26.
Coaches Circle and Presidents Circle members supporting the U.S. Soccer Development Fund can receive individual customer support and concierge services for their ticketing needs. Click here or contact circles@ussoccer.org for more information.
EXCLUSIVE PRESALES FOR U.S. SOCCER INSIDERS
For the opportunity to buy tickets before the general public, fans should consider becoming U.S. Soccer Insiders. Membership is free for Standard Insiders. Learn more.
Sales Schedule | Presale Date & Start Time |
Circle Insiders Presale (Circle Insiders) | Wednesday, July 19 | 10 a.m. CT |
VIP Insiders Presale (VIP Insiders) | Thursday, July 20 | 10 a.m. CT |
Premium Insiders Presale (Premium & Premium Family Insiders) | Thursday, July 20 | 2 p.m. CT |
FC Cincinnati Presale (2023 STMs, 2024 Deposit Holders) | Friday, July 21 | 10 a.m. CT |
Standard Insiders Presale (Standard Insiders) | Friday, July 21 | 10 a.m. CT |
Visa Presame (Visa cardholders only) | Monday, July 24 | 10 a.m. CT |
Public Sale | Tuesday, July 25 | 10 a.m. CT |
VISA PRESALEÂ
As the official payment technology sponsor of U.S. Soccer, Visa has made special arrangements for Visa cardholders to participate in an advance sale of tickets. The Visa presale is available from Monday, July 24 at 10 a.m. CT to Tuesday, July 25 at 10 a.m. CT through the purchase links at ussoccer.com. As the preferred card of U.S. Soccer, Visa will be the only payment method accepted during the Visa presale. Terms and conditions apply.Â
Additional Notes:
•   South Africa is in a challenging Group G at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup where it will play Sweden, Italy and Argentina. Like the USA, South Africa will play the entirity of its group stage games in New Zealand.
•   While this will be just the second game for the USWNT at TQL Stadium, the home of FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, this will be the USNWT’s sixth game all-time in Cincinnati dating back to 1993 when the USA played at now-demolished Galbreath Field, which was a high school football stadium.
•   This will be the ninth game for the USWNT at Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Fire in MLS.
•   The USA has played in the Chicago area, the home base of the U.S. Soccer Federation, many times. The USWNT has also played six games in Bridgeview, Ill, at Toyota Park.Â
•   The USA’s most recent game at Soldier Field was the final game for former head coach Jill Ellis, a 1-1 tie with Korea Republic on Oct. 6, 2019.
•   At the World Cup, which is taking place from July 20-Aug. 20 in 10 stadiums across nine host cities -- five in Australia and four in New Zealand -- the USA will open Group E play against
