The second annual Tournament of Nations kicks off on Thursday, July 26, with four of the best women’s national teams facing off in a one-week tournament: Australia, Brazil, Japan and the United States.

A number of Seattle Reign FC players were called up for the tournament — Megan Rapinoe and Allie Long for the U.S., Naho Kawasumi and Rumi Utsugi for Japan, and Lydia Williams and Steph Catley for Australia. Catley was a last-minute scratch for family reasons and has returned to Melbourne.

The first day of the Tournament of Nations has Australia taking on Brazil for the opening match, followed by the always exciting U.S. matchup against Japan. Unfortunately, the first match will not broadcast. It will be streamed online at USSoccer.com.

The U.S. is using this as a real test for formation and lineups before World Cup qualifiers begin in October. U.S. coach Jill Ellis seems incapable of letting Rapinoe get a rest, making her likely for the start today. She already has three goals and six assists for the U.S. in 2018, with just eight matches played. Decent.

For Japan, Utsugi is hopefully rested to recover from a calf strain that caused her to miss two Reign FC matches and get subbed off in the 26th minute last weekend against Orlando. Kawasumi, after being left off the Japanese roster for nearly two years after the World Cup, has been brought in as a veteran presence.

Last year, Australia beat the U.S. for the first time ever and went on the win the Tournament of Nations. The winner of the tournament will be based on total points (three for a win, one for a tie), with the first tie-breaker being overall goal difference, followed by most total tournament goals scored, then head-to-head result and, lastly, FIFA Ranking if necessary.

How to Watch

Australia v. Brazil

Time / Date: Thursday, July 26, 1 PM PT
Location: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas
TV: None :(
Streaming: USSoccer.com

USA v. Japan

Time / Date: Thursday, July 26, 4 PM PT
Location: Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas
TV: FS1
Streaming: Fox Sports Go

This is your Reign FC-focused Tournament of Nations gamethread. Watch and discuss with us.