What’s next for the USWNT after the Paris Olympics? They won the gold and dominated the games in Paris, keeping a watertight defense at the back and scoring goals at will. Therefore, it became one of the best displays from a national women’s soccer team in this decade. But what next? What’s next for serial winner Emma Hayes, searching to strengthen her squad from the Paris Olympics?

Well, she wants to look at the talent pool of USWNT players in the country. A multitude of talented players in the country originate from various colleges and universities. They look for a chance to play for their nation and showcase their talents. Most times, managers go with a certain set squad. But Emma Hayes remains open-minded ready to pick players on form.

In a recent Steph Yang tweet, an expert in women’s soccer, mentioned Emma Hayes’ top priorities for the USWNT going forward. The tweet mentioned, “We’re very much in the process of building the ’27-28 strategy, the WNT/YNT strategy…. Second of all, it’s been to watch players that are outside the current playing pool.”

The strategy and aim remain set – the 2027 Women’s World Cup. There is nothing beyond that. The goals and aims are set and guess what? We can help Emma Hayes by picking some unearthed gems in the USA. Some players deserve to be called for the USWNT and they can make a difference when the World Cup arrives.

Emma Hayes can pave the way for multiple wonder kids in the USWNT

In terms of multiple talents in the USWNT, there are five players we think deserve a chance to represent their nation. North Carolina Courage defender Malia Berkely didn’t appear in the draft, only to join the French side Bordeaux. After that, she returned to the U.S. and North Carolina Courage became the perfect fit for the player. She leads the pass accuracy in her team and defends astutely from the back.

Meanwhile, Vanessa DiBernardo of the Kansas City Current spends a long time in the midfield linking-up play. At 31, she may not be one for the future. But do you remember Jamie Vardy for Leicester City, leading the team to a title? A late bloomer who created a difference. Therefore, Vanessa DiBernardo is an option for Emma Hayes.

In the meantime, Alex Loera, who suffered an ACL injury in 2024, will be out of the season. However, when she returns, she is a force to be reckoned with. The Bay FC midfielder and captain keep things ticking in the midfield and could score the odd-long range cracker at times. Therefore, Hayes can pick her up for the USWNT squad.

In the forward option, with Sophia Smith out injured, Reilyn Turner from Racing Louisville became the first athlete from college to sign a NIL deal with Nike. After plying her trade in the Under-17 and Under-23 levels, Turner can be a good asset for the USWNT and could challenge Sophia Smith for her position. Alas, there is a special 17-year-old kid similar to Lamine Yamal.

Lily Yohannes, at 17, remains a starter for Ajax at this young age. She remains the next-gen talent and could play a crucial role for the USWNT with Croix Bethune. These two players have the potential to contribute to the team’s success in matches and have already represented the USWNT once. Let’s probably see her getting more opportunities.

So, here’s the list that Emma Hayes can count on! Let’s see whether these players can make the squad!