Winning gold at Paris Olympics was great but this is just a start for the USWNT. There is so much to be done under the leadership of Emma Hayes with focus now shifting on preparing for the next tournaments. Looks like the hunger for success is still not fulfilled as Hayes has outlined some ‘future‘ plans concerning the American ladies, with a crucial message for the U-20 as well as the NWSL stars.

Really, what’s next for the USWNT after conquering the Summer Games? Fear not giving it a hard thought as the former Chelsea boss has everything outlined. “Part about the journey, just reflecting on everything, not just of the Olympics but all the successes that exist within the program,” began Hayes while speaking to Attacking Third as she began her NWSL tour in Chicago.

“Then that’s for us to build other than the start of the strategy development for 2027[World Cup] and 2028 [Olympics] over the next couple of months.” By strategy, it’s not just about greasing her hand on the tactical board to explain some fresh game plan to the American ladies. Rather, it’s also about carefully selecting a group of players who will get a chance to take part in all the respective tournaments.

For now, the first task is to, of course, have several discussions regarding the preparation for their next goal. “There will be several meetings, sort of up and down the country as well internally to make sure we set the right course,” added the 47-year-old, sharing that this procedure includes identifying a suitable pool of talent. And what better way there is to do so than by taking a glance around the USA’s domestic game?

“Then, start the beginning of the year with what we are calling the future, where we’ll get the opportunity to see some of the best talent both within and out of the NWSL and the U20 level where hopefully, we could identify future talent for the USWNT. So quite a lot of work to do,” concluded Hayes. No wonder Hayes has now begun her NWSL tour as she would be taking notes in every match to look out for the next pool of talent.

This also indicates that the young stars who were part of the Olympics-winning roster are not guaranteed a place in the team either. Everyone would be required to start fresh. So, regarding selection, is there some sort of criteria for the players to meet? Let’s find out.

Emma Hayes shares the ‘philosophy’ through which young talents will be selected from the NWSL

Emma Hayes also revealed her thought process of jotting down things while watching a specific talent of the NWSL. “When it comes to watching players, look, we have a way of playing. We have a philosophy within the national team including the sort of things that we look for in each and every position,” she said. In short, any player that ticks all of the checkboxes will make the Hayes-led roster.

“We want to see how the individual stack up against the criteria that are important and integral to our playing style,” concluded the English manager. Looks like we are in for some significant changes around the roster for the next World Cup and even the Olympics. Hence, NWSL and U-20 budding talents must showcase their best if they wish to make it to Hayes’ team. Let the recruitment process begin!