The USWNT’s gold medal at the Paris Olympics sparked wild celebrations in the country. The team under Emma Hayes became incredible for their dominance on the field. Moreover, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is the next target. Thus, their players are excited, especially Alyssa Naeher, who spoke highly about the USWNT coach. She compared her to another legend in the late 90s.

Hence, Naeher, the long-standing goalkeeper of the team, acknowledged, “And we’ve, you know, at someone like a, I mean, Steve Swanson is a great example of someone like that. Erica Walsh, who I’ve been fortunate to like, even Tony DiCicco back in the day of, you know. He had his way about him of, you know, he would get on you. But then, you always knew he was your biggest fan at the same time. And I think that’s kind of her leadership style.”

The 1999 Women’s World Cup had a similar story with Tony DiCicco at the helm. Similarly to Hayes, he oozed charisma and led the team to a historic World Cup victory in 99. Like Emma Hayes, he added an Olympic gold at the 1996 Olympics, starting the gold medal dominance of the USWNT. It was the team’s first gold medal at the Olympics, and Emma Hayes completed the fifth.

Thus, DiCicco led the team the right way and brought a bit of camaraderie to the group. And now, Emma Hayes does the same. She has created a strong bond with the team, as Naeher acknowledged.

She continued, “She kind of has this like connectivity about her, I would say. Like she has the ability to connect with the players and be human, be personal, and allow players to feel comfortable, and being vulnerable and being open to new ideas.” Safe to say, those measures have done wonders for the team.

Alyssa Naeher credits Emma Hayes’ influence with the USWNT

The goalkeeper also detailed the various changes ‘scary’ at the beginning. But, like all teams, all these changes made her teams play better, be it USWNT or Chelsea. Therefore, She believed it was sustainable for the team to play according to that style. Naeher also credits her for believing in the players, a motivation they used to win matches.

The current crop of USWNT is motivated to win it all again. Last year’s World Cup saw the team not make the finals or even the semi-finals of the tournament. Hayes bought in multiple changes, including dropping Alex Morgan, preferring a fresh approach. Therefore, things are looking perfect for the USWNT in three years.

Do you think the USWNT can win the World Cup in 2027? Do let us know in the comments.