HARRISON, NJ (SMI-GLOBAL-WOMEN-SPORTS-MARCH 01-09, 2026)-US forward Alyssa Thompson score late in the second half to propelled USWNT 1-0, over Colombia, and claim the 8th Shebelieves Cup title for the US at the Sports Illustrated Stadium.

In the first game of the tournament double-header, Canada defeated Argentina 3-2, in penalty kicks to finished 2nd in the tournament.

Prior to the start of the game, Tobin Heath, known as an Elite player who played for the USWNT for 13-years, an 181-games was honored during a special ceremony on her retirement and selected induction to the US National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Tobin Heath scored 36-goals, registered 46-assists and helped the USWNT to win 2-World Cup crown: 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Canada & 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup France.Two olympic gold medals: 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic & 2015 London Summer Olympics and Bronze at 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic.    

US & Colombia played a locked-out defensive line during the entire 45' minute without any major danger at either-goal that resulted in scoreless first half.

In the first 15' of the second half, the game remained lacking offensive counter-attacks and penetration to goal on either side until US head coach Emma Hayes made four key substitutions, bringing Jaedyn Shaw, OLivia Moultrie, Emma Sears and Lindsey Heaps into game that changed the game scenario and positive direction for the Stars and Stripes. 

The US took control of the midfield and on its second attack after the substitution, Alyssa Thompson scored at right-footed from the top of the 18-box
to the upper-left corner out of the reach Colombia's goalkeeper Katherine Tapia to seal the 1-0, for the Stars and Stripes over Las Cafeteras (Colombia).

Alyssa Thompson scored her 4th International goal with the USWNT and first of the year and was named the MVP of the 2026 SheBelieves Cup tournament.


With the win, The US won its 8th SheBelieves Cup Title with 9-points in first place, follow by Canada with 6-points, Colombia with 3, and Argentina with 0-Points. 

Article & Photos by Marcello Cutti II/Women Starlight/Starlight Illustrated