The U.S. Women’s National Team will christen the first purpose-built women’s soccer stadium in their final match of the three-game October window

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The U.S. Women’s National Team will make history on October 29 when they face New Zealand at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, marking the first time the world’s top-ranked women’s team will play at the groundbreaking venue designed specifically for women’s soccer.

The match, scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT), will be broadcast on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max in English, with Spanish coverage on Universo and Peacock, plus radio coverage on Westwood One Sports.

Historic Venue Sets the Stage

CPKC Stadium represents a watershed moment for women’s soccer in the United States. As the first purpose-built stadium dedicated to women’s professional soccer, the venue serves as home to the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League. The 11,500-capacity stadium opened in 2024 and has already established itself as a fortress for women’s soccer, making it a fitting location for the USWNT’s final match of their October international window.

“Playing at CPKC Stadium is incredibly meaningful for our program,” said USWNT head coach Emma Hayes. “This venue represents the growth and investment in women’s soccer that we’ve been fighting for. It’s the perfect setting to close out what promises to be an emotional and significant month for our team.”

October Window Features Emotional Farewells

The New Zealand match caps a three-game October window that will be defined by celebration and transition. The USWNT will first face Portugal twice – October 23 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, and October 26 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut.

The Portugal matches carry special significance as they will feature retirement celebrations for two USWNT legends. Alex Morgan, the two-time World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist, will be honored before the October 23 match in Pennsylvania. Three days later, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher will receive her retirement ceremony in her home state of Connecticut.

Historical Context: USA Dominance Over Football Ferns

The upcoming match will mark the 22nd all-time meeting between the United States and New Zealand, with the Americans holding an overwhelming advantage in the series. The Football Ferns’ lone victory came in their very first encounter in 1987 – a result that remains their only triumph against the USWNT in 35 years of competition.

The most recent meetings between these sides took place in January 2023, when the USWNT traveled to New Zealand for pre-World Cup preparation. The Americans dominated both encounters, winning 4-0 in Wellington and 5-0 in Auckland, showcasing the gulf in class between the world’s No. 1 team and the Football Ferns, currently ranked 33rd by FIFA.

Key Historical Stats:

• Record: USA leads 20-1-0
• Goals scored: USA 89, New Zealand 8
• Largest victory margin: 9-0 (USA, 1991)
• Most recent meetings: January 2023 (USA won 4-0, 5-0)

New Zealand’s World Cup Legacy

Despite their struggles against the USWNT, New Zealand earned global respect as co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup alongside Australia. The Football Ferns made history by advancing to the knockout stage for the first time, defeating Norway 1-0 in the group stage before falling to Switzerland in the Round of 16.

Led by veteran defender Ali Riley and emerging talents like Jacqui Hand and Indiah-Paige Riley, New Zealand has shown significant improvement under head coach Jitka Klimková. The Czech coach has instilled a more attacking philosophy while maintaining the defensive organization that has become synonymous with Football Ferns football.

Players to Watch: USWNT Call-Up Predictions

With retirement ceremonies for Morgan and Naeher highlighting the changing of the guard, head coach Emma Hayes faces intriguing roster decisions for the October window.

Likely Inclusions:

Trinity Rodman – The 22-year-old forward has emerged as the face of the new generation, combining pace, skill, and an eye for goal that makes her indispensable.

Sophia Smith – The Portland Thorns star continues to develop into one of the world’s premier attackers, offering versatility across the front line.

Mallory Swanson – After returning from injury, Swanson has reclaimed her spot as a key creative force in the USWNT attack.

Rose Lavelle – The midfielder’s technical ability and big-game experience make her a lock for meaningful matches.

Naomi Girma – The 24-year-old center-back has established herself as the defensive leader of the future.

Potential Surprises:

Jaedyn Shaw – The 19-year-old San Diego Wave forward has impressed in limited USWNT appearances and could earn more opportunities.

Hal Hershfelt – The Washington Spirit midfielder’s work rate and pressing ability fit Hayes’ tactical preferences.

Emily Sams – With defensive depth needed, the Orlando Pride center-back could earn her first senior call-up.

Tactical Battleground

The match presents an interesting tactical contrast. Hayes has implemented a high-pressing, possession-based system that emphasizes quick transitions and overloads in the final third. New Zealand, under Klimková, typically employs a compact 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 formation designed to frustrate opponents and create chances through set pieces and counter-attacks.

The Football Ferns will likely look to disrupt the USWNT’s rhythm through physical play and tactical fouling, while seeking to exploit any defensive transitions with the pace of forwards like Hannah Wilkinson and Malia Steinmetz.

Broadcast and Ticketing Information

The historic match will receive comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms:

• English: TNT, truTV, HBO Max
• Spanish: Universo, Peacock
• Radio: Westwood One Sports

Tickets for all three October matches are available through ussoccer.com, with the CPKC Stadium encounter expected to sell out given the venue’s intimate capacity and historic significance.

Looking Ahead

The October window serves as crucial preparation for the USWNT as they build toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. With the retirement of Morgan and Naeher, Hayes must integrate new faces while maintaining the winning culture that has defined American women’s soccer.

For New Zealand, the match represents another opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best while building toward their own World Cup aspirations. The Football Ferns have shown they can compete with top-tier opposition when properly organized and motivated.

The October 29 encounter at CPKC Stadium promises to be more than just another friendly – it’s a celebration of how far women’s soccer has come and a glimpse into its bright future.

Match Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025
• Time: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
• Venue: CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
• TV: TNT, truTV, HBO Max (English); Universo, Peacock (Spanish)
• Radio: Westwood One Sports
• Tickets: ussoccer.com

USWNT Related Articles:

• Trinity Rodman Makes Her Debut Return Winning Game For Spirit
• USWNT News: Rodman Vows To Remain Same Player Despite Injury
• USWNT News: Trinity Rodman Sidelined Indefinitely
• USWNT News: Emma Hayes and Stars Earn FIFA Honors

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