Hayes has spent much of her career in the American game and believes its foundations are changing. She pointed to the rise of the NWSL, the reach of MLS and improved television access as signs that football is no longer viewed only through the national-team lens.
“This is my third iteration working in the country,” Hayes explained. “What I've seen this time around is the growth of the pro game, the fandom of the pro game, not just with the national team.”
That distinction matters. A stronger domestic league gives elite players a more demanding weekly environment, while wider audiences create greater visibility for the sport’s clubs and personalities.
Hayes has reportedly gone further, saying the game “will become the number one sport in this country”, particularly in participation terms. That is an ambitious prediction, but the direction of travel is clear: more young players are growing up with accessible professional teams, regular broadcasts and established role models.
For the USWNT, that should mean a broader talent pool and greater competition for places. It also raises the pressure to turn national-team success into a sustainable football culture rather than an occasional surge of interest.
Hayes’ approach remains deliberately practical. The United States may carry historic expectations into every tournament, but the immediate task is to navigate qualification successfully.
Her wider coaching philosophy appears equally adaptable. “Players are your greatest teacher,” Hayes said, underlining the need to understand different generations rather than impose one fixed style.
The next qualification window will provide the first meaningful test of whether America’s expanding football ecosystem is translating into progress on the pitch. For Hayes, the future may be enormous-but the next step still comes first.