USWNT Clinches Eighth SheBelieves Cup with 1-0 Victory Over Colombia
March 8, 2026
The USWNT is building toward a competitive World Cup campaign with a flexible, deep squad and improved central play, while identifying finishing touches needed in attack.
Goalkeeper Katherine Tapia faced a tough cross that led to Thompson’s shot off the crossbar and into the net, and Naomi Girma exited with calf tightness after the first half.
The U.S. holds a perfect 12-0-2 all-time record against Colombia, with Colombia’s only previous goal against the U.S. coming in a 2-2 Olympic group-stage draw in 2016.
Emily Fox and Trinity Rodman have formed a strong right-side partnership, while Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey provide a stable spine, with attackers like Alyssa Thompson, Jaedyn Shaw, Ally Sentnor, and Emma Sears regularly integrated.
Despite limited goals across three wins, there is optimism about finishing, with Sophia Wilson back in action and forwards like Mallory Swanson and Catarina Macario potentially rejoining the lineup.
Thompson’s goal was her fourth international strike and earned her the tournament MVP award.
Competition for backline partners and goalkeeper roles continues, with significant minutes for Emily Sonnett and Tara Rudd, and shared duties for Claudia Dickey and Phallon Tullis-Joyce in goal.
Canada finished second after a 1-0 loss to the U.S. earlier in the tournament, while Argentina ended last with no goals, and Colombia placed third.
Canada advanced with a 3-2 win on penalties over Argentina after a scoreless draw, leaving the U.S. and Colombia ahead in the final standings.
Ahead of kickoff, the U.S. honored former midfielder Tobin Heath, who retired last year after a knee injury; Heath played 181 games and scored 36 goals for the national team over 13 years.
Emma Hayes’s USWNT won the SheBelieves Cup with a 1-0 win over Colombia, marking the eighth title and extending a defensive run of 804 minutes without conceding.
Alyssa Thompson scored in the 82nd minute to seal the 1-0 victory over Colombia and clinch the SheBelieves Cup for the U.S.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Mar 8, 2026
Emma Hayes’ USWNT built World Cup momentum with SheBelieves title: Three takeaways
New York Daily News • Mar 7, 2026
Alyssa Thompson’s late goal gives the USWNT win over Colombia and the SheBelieves Cup title