USWNT to face South Africa in first post-World Cup matches

The September matches are set for Cincinnati and Chicago

The U.S. women’s national team will face South Africa in its first two post-World Cup matches, U.S. Soccer announced on Friday.

The two friendlies are set for TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on September 21 (7:30 p.m. ET on TNT, Universo & Peacock), and Soldier Field in Chicago on September 24 (5:30 p.m. ET on TNT, Universo & Peacock).

“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.”

Both the USWNT and South Africa are in their final preparations for the 2023 World Cup, which kicks off next week. The U.S. is in Group E alongside Vietnam, the Netherlands and Portugal, while South Africa is in Group G, where it will play Sweden, Italy and Argentina.

The USWNT and South Africa have met twice before — most recently in a preparation match for the 2019 World Cup, which the U.S. won 2-0 in Santa Clara, Calif.

South Africa is one of just two African teams the USWNT has faced in its history, alongside Nigeria.

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