Emma Hayes confirmed as new USWNT head coach

Emma Hayes has been confirmed as head coach of the United States women's national team.

The 47-year-old will remain in charge of Chelsea until the end of the 2023/24 season before taking up the reins stateside. She replaces Vlatko Andonovski, who left his role as USWNT boss in the aftermath of a poor 2023 Women's World Cup for the team.

Hayes has been in charge at Chelsea since 2012 and has enjoyed unprecedented success with the club. The Blues have won six WSL titles under her management, including the last four in a row, and have lifted the Women's FA Cup five times — last season's 1-0 win over Manchester United at Wembley made it back-to-back-to-back successes in the competition.

She was also named the Best FIFA Women's Coach in 2021, was inducted into the WSL Hall of Fame in the same year, and has been recognised for her achievements with both an OBE and MBE.

Hayes will now take on arguably the biggest job in women's football, tasked with returning the USWNT to the top of the international game after a desperately disappointing World Cup saw The Stars and Stripes eliminated in the last 16 — their worst-ever performance at the tournament.

«This is a huge honor to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history,” said Hayes.

»The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep. I've dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true. I know there is work to do to achieve our goals of winning consistently at the highest levels. To get there, it will require dedication, devotion and collaboration from the players, staff and everyone at the U.S. Soccer Federation.

«I understand how important this team is to the people