Emma Hayes, the newly appointed head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT), has quickly made waves in the soccer world with her philosophy on growth, learning, and the importance of facing elite competition. Since taking over the team last spring, Hayes has experienced a whirlwind of success, including leading the U.S. to a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and maintaining a 17-match unbeaten streak that only recently came to an end in a 2-1 loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup final. Despite this setback, Hayes views the defeat not as a failure but as a valuable learning opportunity, particularly when competing against the best teams in the world. Her approach reflects a mindset shared by one of soccer’s most legendary managers, Alex Ferguson, who once said that coaches learn more from defeats than victories. If Ferguson is right, then Hayes’ educational journey as the leader of the USWNT is still in its early stages.
Hayes’ perspective on competition is rooted in her belief that tough opponents reveal the most about her players and the steps needed to improve. In the loss to Japan, for instance, she noted that many of her younger players were exposed to the kind of high-level intensity they had never experienced before. Seven of the 17 players who took the field against Japan were not part of the Olympic squad, and the match served as a wake-up call for them. “When you’re playing against the very top teams—Japan might very well be the best in the world right now—I’m going to learn more about the players in the challenges of that game than I am sometimes in the wins,” Hayes said. For her, the key is not just the result but how the team responds to the lessons learned from such games. The focus now is on embedding those lessons and ensuring the team continues to grow. Hayes emphasized the importance of taking these hard lessons early, allowing the players to evolve and improve over time.
The next major test for Hayes and her team comes on April 5, when the U.S. will face Brazil at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, in a rematch of last summer’s Olympic final. The match will be the team’s first appearance at SoFi Stadium, a venue that will host eight games during the 2026 men’s World Cup. The U.S. and Brazil will meet again three days later in San José, California. Hayes underscored the significance of these games, calling Brazil a “high-level opponent” and highlighting the importance of measuring up against one of the best teams in the world. However, both teams will look different from the ones that clashed in Paris. Brazil will be without the legendary Marta, who retired from international play after the Olympics, while the U.S. will be missing several key players, including forward Sophia Smith, who recently announced her pregnancy. Defender Naomi Girma, forward Mallory Swanson, and midfielder Rose Lavelle are also among those who could be absent due to injuries or other commitments.
Despite the challenges posed by player availability, Hayes sees the current situation as an opportunity rather than a setback. Since her arrival as coach last May, she has not yet had the luxury of working with her first-choice roster due to various factors, including player injuries and her own commitments to her former club, Chelsea. However, she views this as a chance to give less-experienced players a chance to step up and show where they stand. “Our group will be different purely because of the availability of players,” she said, “but I think it gives our less-experienced players another opportunity to see where we measure up.” This approach reflects her commitment to balancing short-term success with long-term development, ensuring that the team is well-prepared for future challenges, including the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Hayes has already taken steps to invest in the future of the program. In January, she invited 24 U23 players to a “futures camp,” held alongside the first national team call-ups of the year. The roster for the SheBelieves Cup included three teenagers and three players who made their senior international debuts during the tournament. While this may seem unconventional, Hayes believes that such experiences are vital for building depth and preparing the next generation of players for the demands of international soccer. She also recognizes that coaching is rarely about ideal scenarios. Sometimes, taking a step back is necessary to move forward, a philosophy that aligns with the wisdom of Alex Ferguson. Hayes has repeatedly stressed that development cannot always be measured by wins and losses. While she strives to compete and win, she also understands the importance of allowing players to grow through challenging experiences.
As the U.S. prepares to face Brazil and continue its journey toward the next major tournament, Hayes remains focused on the bigger picture. She is acutely aware that her team is still evolving and that the road ahead will not always be smooth. But with her emphasis on learning from every game—regardless of the result—and her commitment to nurturing young talent, she is laying the foundation for long-term success. Hayes’ journey as the USWNT coach is just beginning, and while there will undoubtedly be more challenges ahead, her philosophy of growth through adversity positions the team well for future achievements.
