Team USA Punches Ticket to 2026 World Cup in Thrilling Pan American Cup Semifinal

 MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – August 3, 2025 – In a dramatic semifinal showdown at the 2025 Pan American Cup, the U.S. Women’s National Team clinched their place at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup after edging out host nation Uruguay in a shootout. The match ended 1-1 in regulation before the United Eagles sealed a 4-2 shootout victory, marking their return to the Pan Am Cup final for the first time in over a decade.

In front of a sold-out, electric crowd in Montevideo, the semifinal clash delivered everything a fan could hope for—tension, intensity, and clutch performances. The U.S. side came out strong, dominating possession through the first half, but Uruguay responded with energy and pressure in the second.

The breakthrough came in the 37th minute when Team USA executed a well-rehearsed penalty corner. Mia Schoenbeck played the ball back to inserter Ryleigh Heck, who calmly lifted it over the keeper’s shoulder to put the Americans ahead.

Uruguay quickly countered, seemingly scoring on a penalty corner of their own less than a minute later, but video review nullified the goal due to a foot violation. Moments into the fourth quarter, Uruguay earned a penalty stroke after a defensive infraction, but U.S. goalkeeper Kelsey Bing stood tall and denied the shot to preserve the lead.

Uruguay's persistence paid off in the 52nd minute, capitalizing on sustained pressure and converting their third consecutive penalty corner, leveling the match at 1-1. In the final minute, defender Leah Crouse made a game-saving diving clearance to deny a potential game-winner.

In the ensuing shootout, the Americans displayed poise and precision. Abby Tamer, Reese D’Ariano, Ryleigh Heck, and Phia Gladieux all found the back of the net, while Bing made a crucial third-round save to give USA the edge. With Uruguay unable to close the gap in the final round, the U.S. celebrated a hard-fought 4-2 win.

With the victory, the U.S. secures a coveted spot at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup and a chance to capture gold in the Pan American Cup final for the first time since 2013.