Introduction: A New Era Begins for the USWNT under Emma Hayes
Emma Hayes is stepping into a high-stakes stretch for the US women’s national team, with the SheBelieves Cup on the horizon and a Chile test that promises insight into her evolving squad. The 2026 chapter has already brought fresh faces into the fold, including three players who earned their first caps in Hayes’ early tenure: forwards Reilyn Turner and Maddie Dahlien and midfielder Sally Menti. Turner’s debut blossomed into a goal-scoring moment, underscoring both opportunity and expectation for a team that is balancing a blend of established talent with new blood.
1) Establishing a Clear Identity against Chile
Hayes will likely push to solidify a recognizable USWNT identity before the SheBelieves Cup. Chile presents a tactical challenge that can reveal how the team presses, transitions, and recovers under pressure. Expect a combination of quick, aggressive pressing and purposeful distribution from the backline. The setup should emphasize compact distances in defense and rapid forward carries to test Chile’s back line, ensuring the coaching staff can evaluate how the team sustains tempo across 90 minutes.
2) Assessing the New Entrants: Turner, Dahlien, and Menti
The debut season for Turner, Dahlien, and Menti is a barometer for Hayes’ talent pipeline. Turner’s early goal signals her poise and ability to translate opportunities into scores at the international level. Dahlien’s midfield versatility and her passing range will be put to the test against Chile’s midfielders, while Menti’s ball-security and creative instincts could provide a different kind of engine in the middle of the park. Hayes will be weighing how these players fit a longer-term plan, balancing their development with immediate impact in a tournament setting.
3) Midfield Mastery: Controlling the Game
Midfield control is a recurring theme for Hayes’ teams. Against Chile, the USWNT will aim to suppress transitional play and dictate tempo. A compact pivot, overlapping full-backs, and intelligent movement from forwards can create spaces for through balls and shooting opportunities. The coaching staff will be looking for signs that the midfield can maintain shape under pressure, switch from defense to attack smoothly, and support the forwards with creative distribution.
4) Forwards’ Clinical Edge and Finishing Consistency
With Turner already making a timely impact, the forward line will be under scrutiny for clinical finishing and decision-making in the final third. Hayes will want to see a reliable attacking unit that can convert chances against varied Chilean defenses. The mix of experienced forwards and emerging talents should provide a balance of aggression and composure—two ingredients critical for a successful run in the SheBelieves Cup and beyond.
5) Defensive Solidity and Set-Piece Readiness
Defense remains a cornerstone. Chile’s pace and mobility can expose gaps, so the USWNT’s backline needs to demonstrate organization, communication, and resilience. Set-pieces—both defending and attacking—will be tested, as these moments often decide tight games in tournaments. Hayes will be keen on a consistent defensive structure and effective execution from dead-ball situations, which can swing momentum in close contests.
Preparing for the SheBelieves Cup: From Friendlies to a Festival of Talent
The upcoming match against Chile is more than a test; it’s a critical evaluation of Hayes’ wider plan for the USWNT. With a crop of newcomers and a seasoned core, the team must demonstrate cohesion, tactical clarity, and a winning mindset. The SheBelieves Cup will then serve as a platform to translate that performance into results against some of the world’s top sides, while continuing to integrate players like Turner, Dahlien, and Menti into the fabric of the team.
Conclusion: Meeting the Moment with Confidence
Emma Hayes faces a demanding assignment: cultivate depth, nurture development, and deliver results on a global stage. The Chile match offers a practical arena to test ideas, gauge readiness, and set the tone for a memorable SheBelieves Cup. If Turner’s debut is any indication, the USWNT may be on a trajectory toward a robust, versatile, and resilient attack that can adapt to a range of opponents and tactical scenarios.
