Four Argentina Players Ruled Out of Today’s Opening SheBelieves Cup Match vs. Brazil Due to COVID-19 Protocols

CHICAGO (Feb. 18, 2021) – Four players from the Argentina Women’s National Team have been ruled out of today’s opening SheBelieves Cup match against Brazil at Exploria Stadium (4 p.m. ET on FS1 and TUDN) due to U.S. Soccer’s COVID-19 protocols.

 

One player from Argentina tested positive upon arrival and in subsequent testing while in Orlando. She was immediately isolated after the first positive test result, and after contact tracing with the full cooperation and assistance of the Argentina team staff and players, it was determined that she had no high-risk contacts. She has been deemed ineligible for the length of the tournament.

 

U.S. Soccer worked with the Argentina Football Association on a replacement for that player and goalkeeper Laurina Oliveros has joined the squad. Oliveros was appropriately tested in accordance with U.S. Soccer’s protocols before being confirmed eligible to play today.

 

Another player was also isolated after inconsistent test results on arrival. After contact tracing was done, it was determined that the player had high-risk contact with two other players. All three players have been deemed ineligible for the match on Feb. 18.

 

All three players will have additional testing to determine their eligibility for the matches on Feb. 21 and 24.

 

All other members of the Argentina delegation -- players and staff -- tested negative on arrival and in multiple tests during their pre-camp prior to traveling to Orlando. In addition, all members of the USA, Brazil and Canada delegations – players and staff -- have tested negative in multiple tests after arrival in Orlando.

 

U.S. Soccer would like to thank the Argentina Football Association and the Argentina Women’s National Team staff and players for their cooperation and adherence to all the COVID-19 protocols.