USWNT Face Japan in Rubber Match; Manchester City vs. Arsenal Highlights Weekend

The U.S. women's national team wrap up their three-game series against Japan, while the top Premier League clubs square off.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:44pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting overlapping, fragmented views of a soccer match, using bold colors to capture the energy and intensity of the sport.The weekend's top soccer matches will showcase the global reach and high level of competition in the women's and men's game.San Jose Today

The U.S. women's national team will face Japan in a rubber match on Friday night, while the biggest Premier League match of the season takes place on Sunday as Manchester City host Arsenal. Elsewhere, Chelsea take on Manchester United, and there are key World Cup qualifying matches for Spain, Ukraine, France, and the Netherlands.

Why it matters

The USWNT-Japan friendly is an important tune-up for both teams ahead of the 2023 World Cup, while the Manchester City-Arsenal clash could have major implications for the Premier League title race. The other matches showcase the depth of top-level international and domestic soccer happening this weekend.

The details

The USWNT and Japan will meet for the third time in a week on Friday night, with the series tied at 1-1 so far. Manchester City host Arsenal on Sunday in a battle of the top two teams in the Premier League. Chelsea take on Manchester United on Saturday, while there are also key World Cup qualifying matches for Spain vs. Ukraine and France vs. Netherlands.

  • The USWNT-Japan friendly kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, April 17.
  • The Chelsea-Manchester United match is at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 18.
  • The Manchester City-Arsenal match is at 11:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, April 19.

The players

USWNT

The United States women's national soccer team, one of the top-ranked teams in the world.

Japan

The Japanese women's national soccer team, a perennial powerhouse and 2011 World Cup champions.

Manchester City

The current Premier League champions and one of the top clubs in England.

Arsenal

One of the most successful clubs in Premier League history, currently second in the league table.

Chelsea

A top Premier League club that is currently fourth in the league standings.

Manchester United

One of the most famous and successful clubs in world soccer, currently fifth in the Premier League.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge match for both teams as they prepare for the World Cup next year.”

— Jill Ellis, Former USWNT head coach

“The Manchester City-Arsenal game is a true clash of the titans at the top of the Premier League.”

— Jamie Carragher, Former Liverpool player and current Sky Sports analyst

What’s next

The USWNT and Japan will meet again in the 2023 Women's World Cup, while the Premier League title race will continue to heat up in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This weekend's slate of matches showcases the global reach and high level of competition in women's and men's soccer, with crucial international friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, and a top-of-the-table Premier League clash all taking place.