As Emma Hayes wrapped up her weeks-long NWSL tour with a final stop in New Jersey on Saturday, the U.S. women's national team head coach had her sights set firmly on the future. Speaking from Sports Illustrated Stadium, Hayes described the team's upcoming pre-World Cup trip to Brazil as "perfect preparation" for the 2027 tournament.

"Getting the opportunity to go to Brazil prior to the qualification is perfect preparation," Hayes said. "You get a sense, culturally, what the country is like — everything from food to hotels to training pitches to fans and feeling the temperature of the Brazilian fans — plus we get to play against a very dynamic team."

Hayes, who called New York her "spiritual home" given her early coaching days on Long Island, attended multiple NWSL matches in recent weeks. She took time to speak with reporters ahead of Gotham FC's rematch with expansion side Boston Legacy. Gotham features a wealth of active USWNT talent, including Emily Sonnett, Rose Lavelle, Tierna Davidson, and Jaedyn Shaw, alongside rising stars like rookie Jordynn Dudley, who has represented the senior team and U-23 and U-17 sides.

Since taking the helm in 2023, Hayes has reimagined development pathways for U.S. women's soccer players. She revived the Under-23 national team as a crucial bridge to the senior squad, allowing players to move seamlessly between levels. Shaw is a prime example — she spent time with the U-23 side last year before returning to the senior team as one of its most consistent midfielders.

This approach has allowed Hayes to fully embrace the entire U.S. women's player pool in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. After initially selecting first-time call-ups and young, inexperienced players, Hayes has recently narrowed her focus to a core group as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers this fall. The U.S. announced in April that it would play two international friendlies in Brazil this June against the Brazilian women's national team — a chance to compete in the host country a year before the tournament and experience everything from the climate to the passionate fan atmosphere.