Five Things To Know: Deaf MNT-USWNT Doubleheader
Here’s everything you need to know before the doubleheader featuring the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team and the U.S. Women’s National Team in East Hartford, Connecticut on Sunday, Oct. 26
It’s a special occasion for U.S. Soccer as two national teams will be in action on the same pitch on the same afternoon for a historic doubleheader in Connecticut.
First, the U.S. Men’s Deaf National Team faces Germany in an international friendly presented by Volkswagen at 1 p.m. ET for an all-important tune-up heading into the 2025 Deaflympics in November. Following the conclusion of the first match, the U.S. Women’s National Team takes the field at 4 p.m. ET for the second straight fixture against Portugal in the October FIFA window.
Streaming Details:
- Deaf MNT: truTV and HBO Max in English and Telemundo Deportes Ahora in Spanish
- WNT: TNT, truTV, HBO Max, Universo, Peacock
Both matches will be played at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn. Here are five more things to know heading into Sunday’s exciting doubleheader:
1. Deaf Soccer Closely Resembles the Standard Game
Sunday marks the second time the USWNT partnered with a U.S. Deaf National Team for a double matchday. The last time happened on June 1, 2024 in Commerce City, Colorado. That day, both matches resulted in clean sheets for the U.S. – the Women’s Deaf National Team defeated Australia 11-0 and the USWNT shut out Korea Republic 4-0. Deaf soccer closely resembles the standard game, so the formats for these matches are similar – 11v11 on a regulation-size pitch. The only notable difference? Along with blowing a whistle, the center referee will also raise a flag to call stoppages in play.
Additionally, players in the Deaf game must remove all hearing devices before entering the field of play.
2. Soccer Is For Everyone, Everywhere
Sunday's action won't happen only on the pitch. The historic match will be hugely accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community as U.S. Soccer aims to make soccer available everywhere, to everyone.
For those watching at home, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will appear on-screen for both broadcasts. Those attending the match in-person in Connecticut can learn ASL and meet Deaf MNT alumni and current Deaf WNT players at U.S. Soccer’s Fan HQ, which opens at 11:30 a.m.
Additionally, both the Deaf MNT and USWNT will wear special Volkswagen pre-match tops during warmups. The warm-up jerseys were specially designed by Deaf artist Remy Glock in collaboration with Deaf MNT midfielder Raul Silva and spell out the word “UNITY” in ASL on the back.
3. The Deaf National Teams are on the Road to the Deaflympics
The Deaf MNT’s friendly against Germany takes place just three weeks prior to the team's participation, alongside the U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team, in the 2025 Deaflympics. The premier tournament runs from Nov. 14-25 in Tokyo, Japan. Sunday’s friendly will serve as important preparation for head coach Everett Palache and his team. Fortunately, the roster is stacked with talent and features two previous Deaf Male Players of the Year in Kevin Fitzpatrick and Chris Bourdon. Seventeen players on the roster led the USA to the bronze medal at the 2024 Deaf Pan American Games, which qualified the group for the Deaflympics this year.
- LISTEN: Everett Palache Talks the Importance of Representation and Inclusivity in Sports on the U.S. Soccer Podcast
4. USWNT Looking To Sustain Lightning-Fast Starts
The USWNT started the opening match against Portugal on Oct. 23 on a strong note. Midfielder Rose Lavelle scored a goal just 33 seconds into the match, finishing after Alyssa Thompson flicked a header into the path of Catarina Macario. Lavelle’s goal was the 26th of her international career and her fourth contribution in four appearances for the USWNT in 2025. Per Opta, the first-minute finish marked the third time the USWNT has scored in the opening minute in 2025, a remarkable feat and the most first-minute goals in any calendar year in at least 30 years.
5. Homecoming in the Connecticut Capital for Alyssa Naeher
Like the opening match against Portugal where Alex Morgan received an honorary tribute for her illustrious career, Sunday’s doubleheader will feature a celebration for another recently retired USWNT legend. Alyssa Naeher, one of the all-time greatest goalkeepers in the sport who is continuing to play club soccer at Chicago Stars FC, will be honored for her international career prior to kickoff for the USWNT match. Naeher grew up in Connecticut and spent her formative years in the Constitution State before going on to become a two-time World Cup winner, Olympic gold medalist and first-rate superstar.