U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes met with media Wednesday morning ahead of the team’s three-game April series against Japan, addressing the long-awaited returns of Sophia Smith and Tierna Davidson, the development of Claire Hutton, left back depth questions and a trio of matches that will serve as crucial preparation for World Cup qualifying.
The USWNT will face Japan — Champions of Asia and one of Hayes’ own picks as a World Cup favorite — three times across three different cities, with Hayes confirming she intends to rotate two distinct groups across the window.
Smith & Davidson: Two Steps Closer
Hayes opened the presser by expressing her happiness over the return of striker Sophia Wilson, who recently played 70 minutes for her club after giving birth.
“It was almost like I couldn’t believe she’s had a baby and come back to perform at the level she’s done — real, real credit to her and the team around her. I cannot wait to welcome her and Gigi. I know there’s going to be a lot of fussing over them.” — Emma Hayes
Hayes was equally effusive about left-footed center back Tierna Davidson, though she noted Davidson will be used in a limited capacity as she transitions back into the national team environment after an extended absence.
“She’s a great player, but she’s such a brilliant person. She’s a deep thinker and someone who challenges me, and I enjoy her company.” — Emma Hayes
Hutton’s Trajectory: ‘Limitless’
Asked about midfielder Claire Hutton — a relative newcomer now with Bay Area FC — Hayes did not hold back in her praise.
“I think her trajectory is limitless. She’s a real student of the game, and I think she will develop and grow to be one of the best midfielders in the world.” — Emma Hayes
Hayes noted that Hutton’s move to Bay Area has accelerated her development, particularly in terms of the leadership capacity that the young midfielder is actively embracing.
Three Games, Two Groups
Hayes explained her decision to play Japan three consecutive times rather than bringing in a third opponent, saying the continuity allows the full squad to develop against elite competition.
“They’re champions of Asia. They’re easily one of the best teams in the world. I think this is, without question, one of the favorites to win the World Cup. So what a great test for us.” — Emma Hayes
Her strategy: play one cohesive group for 60–70 minutes in two of the three games, and a separate group in the third — maximizing exposures for players across the pool, from veterans to emerging names like Fallon Tullus Joyce, Lily Johannes and Claudia Dickey.
Hayes also spoke candidly about tactical growth since the last time the U.S. faced Japan, acknowledging both sides have raised their level.
“The team is completely different now than it was 12 months ago. I expect we have closed the gaps in those areas — however, so have they.” — Emma Hayes
Jameese Joseph Gets the Senior Call
With only three strikers available after Smith’s managed return, Hayes confirmed that Jameese Joseph — who has impressed in January camp — will have a significant role in the window.
“She’s really quick to learn. Whatever we’ve thrown at her tactically, she’s picked it up really, really quickly. You don’t get many chances at the top level. You’ve got to be so decisive — and I’ve seen that from her.” — Emma Hayes
Left Back Competition: Patterson & Thompson Step Up
With only one naturally left-footed defender on the roster, Hayes pointed to Avery Patterson and Giselle Thompson as capable fill-ins at left back — both of whom impressed in recent windows against Colombia and Canada, respectively.
“Both of those players, I think, really stood out. There’s going to be a real fight and great competition in those areas.” — Emma Hayes
Hayes noted that both currently sit behind Lily Real and Emily Fox in the pecking order, but the competition at the position is very much alive.
Hayes Is Watching the NWSL Closely
When asked about standout NWSL performers this season, Hayes praised the early starts from Angel City FC and Houston Dash before going player-specific.
“I think Evelyn Shores has been outstanding. Kennedy Fuller is such a prospect. Giselle Thompson has gone up a whole other level. Emily Sams’ leadership has been instrumental.” — Emma Hayes
Hayes also stressed that young players on the bubble — like Savy King, who she mentioned keeping with club rather than calling to the U-23s — must still progress through the youth national team structure before reaching the senior pool.
Jaden Shaw: Expected to Play From the Start
Regarding Jaden Shaw, who has not played since the NWSL opener due to minor hamstring fatigue, Hayes was measured but optimistic.
“I’m looking for Jaden to participate from the start in one game. If she wasn’t capable of doing that, the medical performance teams would have told me that.” — Emma Hayes
Hayes Champions FIFA’s Female Coaching Mandate
One of the most impassioned moments of the presser came when Hayes addressed FIFA’s new policy requiring women to be part of coaching leadership structures in women’s competitions — a rule she credited in part to Jill Ellis.
“If you want to keep girls and women in the game, they need more female role models. If you see it at the highest level, on touchlines in World Cups, you’re more likely to see that at youth level. Seeing is believing.” — Emma Hayes
Hayes didn’t shy away from a harder truth either — calling attention to the disparity between male and female coaches when it comes to second chances after being let go.
“How many times have we seen female head coaches get a job, get fired, and never get rehired? We see scores of male coaches — the same thing happens to them and they’ll get another job very shortly.” — Emma Hayes
Excited for Seattle, Grass Field at Lumen Field
The second game of the series will be held at Lumen Field in Seattle — the USWNT’s first visit to the city since 2017 and Hayes’ first there as head coach. With nearly 30,000 tickets sold as of the presser, Hayes is looking forward to the environment.
“I love the Pacific Northwest. I know how passionate soccer fans are in both Portland and Seattle. Playing in such a huge stadium is something we’re going to have to prepare for anyway — and it gives us another tick off our list of things to achieve come qualifiers.” — Emma Hayes
And yes, the Trinity Rodman TikTok came up. Coach Hayes didn’t hesitate.
“She should be thankful I’m in it — not the other way around. I keep her relevant, and I remind her of that often.” — Emma Hayes
The USWNT faces Japan three times this April. The series opens on April 11 at PayPal Park in San Jose, followed by April 14 at Lumen Field in Seattle, and wraps up on April 17 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. Tickets for all three matches are available at ussoccer.com.