The upcoming weeks mark a crucial period for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Following a disappointing SheBelieves Cup campaign, the American squad is preparing for the April camp, where they will face Brazil in a doubleheader. While the players are set to arrive in the coming days, one would expect the coaching staff to be fully immersed in their offices, busy devising tactics. But surprisingly, that’s not the case at all, as Emma Hayes is instead enjoying a day out with an USWNT icon.

Yep, you heard it right. The English tactician seems to be making the most of her time in the States, currently enjoying her time off the tactical board. To break the ice, Hayes came in attendance to watch today’s NWSL game between Angel City vs. Seattle Reign at BMO Stadium. In fact, the biggest twist to this tale would be to hear that she isn’t alone.

Apparently, the 48-year-old is enjoying the good company of former USWNT player & Angel City part-owner Julie Foudy. A picture was shared on X, where Foudy is standing with the USA manager keeping a hand on her shoulder as the two give a big smile for the cameras. Honestly, this wasn’t the collab we were expecting in 2025 as surely, Foudy must be thrilled to meet the English tactician.

But more importantly, the talking point remains the fact that Hayes made her way to catch up on some NWSL action. Whether she is merely observing or showing support for a particular side is up for debate. Then again, while fans must be thrilled to have the former WSL boss in the house, a similar yet different feeling might be there among the players.

That’s because, on one hand, those who play for the Stars and Stripes, actually have a chance to make quite an impression in front of Hayes. Simultaneously, it also puts pressure on their heads to deliver an emphatic match. Well, this is the least they can do, considering it’s also the first time the former Chelsea boss came to watch an NWSL match.

However, it certainly ain’t the first time we have seen her watch a soccer game from the stands instead of the dugout. Earlier this month, Hayes was seen in the stands at Stamford Bridge alongside Chelsea owner Todd Boehly, witnessing Enzo Maresca’s men’s team clinch a vital three points with a narrow scoreline. In fact, during her time at the WSL, Hayes frequently made such surprise visits.

Regardless, the American crowd at BMO Stadium surely would have been caught off guard after seeing Hayes in attendance, even though in the coming days, they again have a chance to witness her in action.

Emma Hayes can expect a tough USWNT vs Brazil battle

The last time these two sides met was back in the 2024 Paris Olympics final. Mallory Swanson had scored the only winning goal of the game against Marta and Co., eventually witnessing the American ladies clinch its fifth historic gold medal. So one can directly agree that the South American side is coming with their eyes filled with vengeance. This, unfortunately, is exactly what the problem is for Emma Hayes and Co.

Already, the English boss has called up a squad that features experienced players, but with a mix of young guns. Of course, it’s good that it will see the new names get a chance under Hayes. But to recall, they will also enter the match with a defeat to Japan at their home ground. Let alone the result costing them the SheBelieves Cup title. A shaky form will certainly boost Brazil’s confidence to potentially dominate the home side.

Not to mention that after playing this pair of friendlies against Brazil on April 5 at SoFI Stadium, Inglewood, and on April 8 at PayPal Park, San Jose, they have another challenge lined up. It will be against China PR, their first meeting since late 2023. While the opening game will take place at Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, the return fixture is set at Energizer Park in St. Louis on Tuesday, June 3.

Then again, there’s no point in pressuring the USWNT to win these friendlies. After all, it’s a part of the process for their bigger goal that we all are aware of!