Chaos in USWNT vs. Brazil: Sophia Wilson exits after elbow to face; 8 red cards handed out
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The USWNT held on to defeat Brazil 1-0 on Tuesday during a contentious friendly that featured eight red cards and 15 yellow cards at Arena Castelão in Fortaleza in the second matchup between both squads in three days.
With the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil on the horizon, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes challenged her team to manage and contain the "madness" of playing Brazil on its home turf in front of a rowdy environment. And the Americans needed every ounce of restraint in the win.
FULLRECAP:USWNT beats Brazil in chaotic match
Big win to end June camp ‼️ pic.twitter.com/mbRAKa5ugS
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 10, 2026
There was physicality from the opening kickoff and both teams were held scoreless after 45 minutes. American Sophia Wilson broke open scoring in the 63rd minute as her shot from distance deflected off Brazil's Isabela Chagas for an own goal. It proved to be the game-winning shot.
As both team jockeyed for positions and fought through physical play, emotions appeared to boil over in the second half. Brazil head coach Arthur Elias and several members of his staff were shown red cards at the 76th minute.
Bia Zaneratto picked up a second yellow in stoppage time for shoving American Emily Sonnett. Tarciane picked up a red card shortly after for elbowing Wilson in the mouth. Wilson remained down on the pitch for several minutes.
Brazil was issued two red cards in added time, including one for an apparent elbow on Sophia Wilson 😳 pic.twitter.com/nSW2J4jEDj
— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) June 10, 2026
Brazil was playing with only nine players by the time the final whistle blew. Brazil's Kerolin and Ludmila each received a red card from the referees after the game ended and further chaos ensued. Brazilian players had to be separated from the referees as security guards came onto the field in riot gear to diffuse the tension.
"If this is any indications of what the World Cup might be like next summer, it'll be quite a tournament," HBO Max play-by-play announcer Luke Wileman said.
Reach USA TODAY National Women’s Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson at [email protected] and follow her on X at @CydHenderson.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Sophia Wilson exits USWNT win vs Brazil after elbow to the face