Fresh from winning Olympic gold, the United States women’s national team doesn’t want to stop there. They started the Emma Hayes era well by beating Brazil 1-0 in Paris to win the tournament. After the match, captain Lindsey Horan is already thinking about the Women’s World Cup that will take place in Brazil in 2027. .
The United States fell short at the 2023 World Cup in New Zealand, being eliminated in the round of 16 by Sweden in a penalty shootout, and the sour taste of that is still in their mouths. This is a team that expects to win everything and that was evident in their forward-thinking nature after their gold medal victory, where they played three knockout games without conceding a goal.
“We were like, ‘Imagine what we can do now in the next two and a half years,’” Horan said after the game. “We sit here knowing that there is so much more in us… My God, the way this team is now and seeing the potential for 2027 – it’s very exciting.”
Now this Olympic medal already shows a transition Naomi GirmaSophia Smith, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson playing a huge role in its success, there’s no reason this version of the USWNT can’t be at the top of their game for years to come, especially with a serial winner like Hayes at the helm.
“Where has she been for two months?” Horan continued. “The belief in this group, the will – all the players are coachable, everyone buys in. It’s not easy. It’s not easy for Emma, it’s not easy for us. I think this journey has been incredible. But There is so much belief in each of us, and I saw it in every game.”
The mentality of Hayes’ Chelsea side is already there, despite the short time under new management, and there is no sign of this team being satisfied with their performances when new things come their way to conquer.
The Americans return to action in October with friendlies featuring two games against Iceland (October 24 and October 27) and one against Argentina (October 30). They then go to Wembley to play England on November 30.