The 2026 SheBelieves Cup all comes down to this. Emma Hayes’ U.S. Women’s National Team is on the brink of lifting the trophy, but standing in their way is a dangerous, highly motivated Colombian squad fresh off a gritty victory. Between high-stakes championship scenarios, starting lineup shake-ups, and an emotional pre-game farewell to an American soccer legend, Saturday’s showdown in New Jersey is absolute must-watch television.
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The Pre-Match Event: Tobin Heath’s Retirement Ceremony
You will want to tune in early for this one. Before the opening whistle, U.S. Soccer is hosting a special pre-game retirement celebration for USWNT and New Jersey legend Tobin Heath.
Heath, a two-time World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist, is one of the most creative and beloved players in USWNT history. The tribute is expected to bring out massive crowds and high emotions at Sports Illustrated Stadium, making it a must-see event for long-time soccer fans tuning in before the main event kicks off.
Match Preview & Championship Scenarios
The math for the USWNT is simple: Win or draw, and they win the 2026 SheBelieves Cup.
The USWNT sits comfortably at the top of the table with 6 points (+3 goal differential) after a brilliant 1-0 victory over rival Canada on Wednesday, courtesy of a stunning 55th-minute goal from rising star Ally Sentnor.
However, Colombia (sitting on 3 points) is not going to make it easy. Las Chicas Superpoderosas kept their own tournament hopes alive after Real Madrid superstar Linda Caicedo fired them to a 1-0 win over Argentina. If Colombia manages an upset victory over the USA on Saturday, things will get incredibly complicated, bringing goal differential and the result of the Canada vs. Argentina match into play to determine the champion.
Key Matchup to Watch: The USWNT defense—anchored by Naomi Girma and Gisele Thompson—against the electric pace and footwork of Colombia’s Linda Caicedo.
Projected Starting Lineups
Expect Emma Hayes to field a highly competitive XI to secure the hardware, blending veteran leadership with dynamic youth.
- USA Predicted XI: Tullis-Joyce; G. Thompson, Girma, Sonnett, Fox; Coffey, Hutton, Lavelle; Rodman, Sentnor, Shaw.
- Colombia Predicted XI: Pérez; C. Arias, Carabali, D. Arias, Vanegas; Montoya, Bedoya; Restrepo, Santos, Caicedo; Ramírez.
The Need-to-Know Details: How to Watch Live
Don’t miss a minute of the ceremony or the match. Here are the official broadcast details:
- Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Venue: Sports Illustrated Stadium | Harrison, New Jersey
- Pre-Game Ceremony (Tobin Heath): Begins roughly 30 minutes prior to kickoff.
- Official Kickoff Time: 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT)
- English TV & Streaming: TBS, truTV, and streaming on HBO Max.
- Spanish TV & Streaming: Telemundo, Universo, and streaming on Peacock.
(Note: Canada will face Argentina in the opening match of the doubleheader at 12:30 p.m. ET.)
Conclusion: A Fitting Finale in New Jersey
Saturday’s matchup is shaping up to be much more than just a standard international friendly. Between the high stakes of the SheBelieves Cup title on the line, Emma Hayes continuing to mold the next generation of USWNT stars, and the emotional farewell to a bona fide legend in Tobin Heath, this game has all the ingredients of an instant classic. Whether the USWNT cruises to their eighth tournament trophy or Colombia pulls off a stunning upset, fans in Harrison and those watching at home are in for an unforgettable afternoon of soccer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time is the USA vs Colombia match?
The official kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (12:30 p.m. PT) on Saturday, March 7, 2026. However, fans should tune in about 30 minutes early to catch the pre-game ceremonies.
Where can I watch the USWNT vs Colombia game live?
In the United States, English-language broadcasting is available on TBS and truTV, with streaming on HBO Max. Spanish-language coverage will be broadcast on Telemundo and Universo, and can be streamed live on Peacock.
What happens if the USWNT loses to Colombia?
If the USWNT wins or draws, they automatically win the SheBelieves Cup. If Colombia wins, the tournament champion will be decided by tiebreaker scenarios, heavily depending on goal differential and the result of the Canada vs. Argentina match happening earlier in the day.
Is Tobin Heath playing in the match against Colombia?
No, Tobin Heath will not be playing. The pre-game event is a dedicated retirement ceremony to honor her incredible career and upcoming induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, but she is not on the active roster for the match itself.