A fresh chapter begins for the USWNT. Having secured a historic 2024 Paris Olympics win, the American ladies are now shifting their focus to upcoming ventures. While the long-term goals include the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics, shorter-term objectives, such as the SheBelieves Cup, are also on the horizon for the 4X world champions. With so much to manage, it’s set to be a demanding task. Fortunately, Emma Hayes has everything in place for this ‘new beginning.’

We have often heard the English tactician talk about the things she has panned out for the future of the USWNT. Well, call it one of her obsessions, but the matter of fact is that Hayes gets excited whenever it comes to experimenting and developing. “I think I’d be here all day, talking about the excitement on my end to be in a position to deliver a camp for what we call the ‘Futures,'” Hayes began while addressing players in the recent January camp.

Yes, the very camp that sees the USWNT calling out young players in order to diversify their roster choices. US Soccer interestingly uploaded the entire off-the-record video to YouTube, calling it “Behind the Crest: WNT’s January and Futures Camp”. The 48-year-old coach was seen addressing all the players in the clip, alongside other interview snippets featuring team members.

Coming back to Hayes’ fixations, when she says she can talk about players’ development all day, she truly means it. In the words of the former Chelsea, she “absolutely enjoys” witnessing players’ youth to senior setup transition. And there’s no reason to doubt her. After all, winning gold with a young squad in 75 days is nothing short of a testament to that fact. No wonder she sees her first-ever triumph with the American ladies as an opportunity to keep doing something better!

“It’s not just a new year but it’s a new beginning,” she said, asserting that the Olympics performance has now allow the USSF to further build on their ventures ahead. “I absolutely believe, wholeheartedly, that there are players in this room that will be playing in the World Cup in 2027. I am certain of that. Or playing in the Olympics in LA in 2028. I have a responsibility to make sure we provide the rite of passage so that players are prepared to do that,” concluded Hayes.

Clearly, Emma has a lot on her mind for the future of the USWNT. There is still decent time for the #1 FIFA Women’s ranked side to prepare for these crucial tournaments. In the meantime, they have another upcoming challenge to deal with.

Emma Hayes and USWNT gear up for the 2025 SheBelieves Cup!

The Stars and Stripes are hosting the 10th edition of this tournament from February 19 to 27. Australia, Japan, and Colombia are the opponents this time and they will be rallying against the host for the silverware. That’s because the USWNT has been winning the last five editions and amassed a total of seven titles. For the first time ever, Australia and Colombia will participate in the SheBelieves Cup. Despite having faced the four-time world champions on multiple occasions, neither nation has previously taken part in this annual tournament.

The USWNT holds a dominant record against the ‘Las Chicas Superpoderosas’, having played them 12 times and securing 10 wins along with 2 draws. Meanwhile, their history against the ‘Matildas’ is even more commanding, boasting 27 victories, 4 draws, and just one defeat. In contrast, Japan is no stranger to both the tournament and the host nation, making their third consecutive appearance and fifth overall. They, however, have historically struggled against the U.S., managing by only 1 win, 5 draws, and 14 losses.

Surely Emma Hayes is looking forward to winning her first SheBelieves Cup. Speaking of which, we eagerly await the roster that the former Chelsea boss has announced.

USWNT roster for SheBelieves Cup: 

The hosts are yet to announce their squad. Until then, stick around.