U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team to Play Chile at UCSB’s Harder Stadium in January

The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team is set to bring its star-studded roster to Santa Barbara.

The team’s January training camp will come to an end with a match against Chile on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at UCSB’s Harder Stadium to begin the 2026 USWNT schedule.

The matchup with Chile will be the first-ever international match played by the USWNT on California’s Central Coast. It will be the second game in a week for the U.S., following a matchup against Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park on Saturday, Jan. 24.

Presale for the match will run from Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. to Friday, Dec. 12, at 8 a.m. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, Dec. 12, at https://www.ussoccer.com/all-matches.

“One of the goals of U.S. Soccer is to take our National Teams to new markets around the country, and I applaud that,” U.S. head coach Emma Hayes said. “Playing in a city for the first time is not a common occurrence at this point in our history, so I know our players will enjoy being in beautiful Santa Barbara and our staff are really looking forward to January camp and these two matches against South American countries.

“This is the start of an important year for our team and as always, we’re focused on maximizing every minute we get with the players.”

While this is the first international match in town, the US Women’s soccer team has a bit of a history with Santa Barbara.

The USWNT held a training camp at UCSB in the fall of 1991 before competing in the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China. In that camp, Team USA competed in exhibition games against UCSB Women’s Soccer and the Southern California Women’s All-Stars.

The team also participated in training camps in Santa Barbara in 2019 and 2023 at Harder Stadium and Westmont College, respectively.

UCSB athletic director Kelly Barsky and UCSB chancellor Dennis Assanis are excited for the local sports community as the USWNT returns to campus in Isla Vista.

“Bringing the U.S. Women’s National Team to Harder Stadium means more than just hosting a match,” Barsky said. “It’s a celebration of connection, community and excellence. Sport has the ability to unite and coalesce around something bigger than ourselves. 

“It doesn’t get any bigger and more special on a national and international stage than the USWNT. At UC Santa Barbara, we are deeply honored to host the exceptional national team athletes and coaches, continue our storied tradition of soccer excellence and celebrate our greater Santa Barbara community by bringing this special game to Harder Stadium, Soccer Heaven.”

“UC Santa Barbara is honored to host the United States Women’s National Soccer Team – one of the most successful teams in the world,” Assanis said. “We are proud to host an event that will highlight competitive excellence, energize and bring our community together, showcase beautiful UC Santa Barbara, and celebrate the next generation of athletes and leaders. 

“We look forward to a memorable experience at Harder Stadium for the campus and the greater Santa Barbara communities.”

The match will be presented by Visit Santa Barbara, alongside UC Santa Barbara.

“We are thrilled to welcome the U.S. Women’s National Team to UCSB for their match against Chile in January,” said Kathy Janega-Dykes, president/CEO of Visit Santa Barbara.

“VSB’s mission is to inspire overnight travel to the South Coast to enhance the community’s economy and quality of life. Sports tourism plays a vital role in that effort, especially during the shoulder season, when this exciting match takes place.”

More Ticketing Information

UCSB will make 500 discounted tickets available to UCSB students at a $20 face value beginning on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. UCSB faculty and staff will have presale ticket access on Thursday as well.

Full ticketing information will be available at https://www.ussoccer.com/ in the coming days.

The USWNT is also offering exclusive presales for U.S. Soccer Insiders. 

For more information on becoming a U.S. Soccer Insider, visit https://www.ussoccer.com/insiders/standard-insider