The Brazil-U.S. match turned into a scandal, with the referee issuing eight red cards
The friendly match between the women’s national teams of Brazil and the United States ended in a major scandal and became one of the most talked-about games in recent memory. The match in Fortaleza, attended by over 55,000 fans, was remembered not so much for the soccer as for the mass ejections and conflicts on the field.
The match ended with a narrow 1-0 victory for the American team.
The only goal of the match was scored after an own goal by Brazilian defender Isabel Chagas in the second half.
However, the main focus was on the performance of Spanish referee Paola Seboliada López, who handed out eight red cards to the Brazilian side. Four players and four members of the coaching staff were sent off early.
The scandalous events began to unfold in the 77th minute. Brazil’s head coach, Artur Elias, received a second yellow card for kicking the ball away and was subsequently sent off. Three of his assistants were also sent off along with him.
In stoppage time, the situation finally spiraled out of control. Forward Bia Zanerratto was sent off for shoving an opponent, and shortly thereafter, Tarsiane received a straight red card after elbowing American player Sofia Wilson in the face.
After the final whistle, the conflict continued. Caroline was sent off for an aggressive argument with the referee, and Ludmila was penalized for sarcastically applauding the officiating crew.
Due to the escalating situation, the referees had to be escorted off the field by heavily armed special police officers.
After the match, members of the Brazilian national team did not hide their outrage at the referee’s decisions.
Legendary Brazilian soccer player Marta stated: “The referee simply wanted to be the star of this show. Such a huge number of fans come to watch soccer, and she pulls stunts like this. I’m sorry, but this kind of refereeing is simply unacceptable, especially in a match between Brazil and the U.S.”
Striker Caroline, who was sent off, didn’t hold back her emotions either, writing on social media: “This is ridiculous. This was supposed to be a hell of a showdown! But the Spanish refereeing… They did everything they could to just ruin this game!”
U.S. head coach Emma Hayes called the match a real battle and admitted that she’ll remember this game for a long time.
She emphasized that playing against Brazil on their home turf with the stands cheering them on is extremely difficult, but expressed hope that during the Women’s World Cup, which Brazil will host for the first time in history, FIFA will establish clearer guidelines for the participants and the referees.
For her part, U.S. national team midfielder Lindsey Hipps stated that she hopes not to see such chaos in the final of the upcoming World Cup.
The match between Brazil and the U.S., which was supposed to be a highlight of the soccer season, turned into one of the most scandalous friendly matches in women’s soccer. Eight red cards, conflicts with referees, and the intervention of special police units effectively overshadowed the sporting aspect of the match.
On Thursday, June 11, the 23rd FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off with a match between Mexico and South Africa. Ahead of the tournament, artificial intelligence simulated the course of the competition and predicted the results of all World Cup matches, including the final. According to the forecast, the decisive match could end in a rematch for France, which is vying for the world championship trophy.
As a reminder, the World Cup is set to kick off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Earlier, FIFA banned a new tactical practice ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
