The past few months have proved to be quite busy for the U.S. Women’s National Team. Despite not competing in any major tournaments—unlike their European and South American counterparts, who are involved in the UEFA Euros or CONMEBOL Copa America—the 4x World Champions have been finding ways to keep their 2027 World Cup preparations alive by scheduling a series of friendlies. The most recent ones include matches against the likes of Colombia, Australia, and Japan in the SheBelieves Cup, as well as Brazil, China, Jamaica, and even the Republic of Ireland. But the question is—will there be more fixtures against European teams? Well, Emma Hayes might have an update that could disappoint a few.
It all stems from the questions asked on Reddit that the former Chelsea boss was addressing during an appearance for ITV Sport. Interestingly, one netizen asked Hayes whether the introduction of the Nations League into the European international fixture window would affect the frequency of matches between the US Women’s National Team and European sides. The question even followed up on how she plans to prepare the team for international tournaments amid this change.
In response, the 48-year-old said, “Bottom line, we won’t be able to plan because of this fixture window. We can in the October windows, and we can in the November, December windows. In terms of preparing the team, all I can do is control what I can control. We don’t just play European teams in the World Cup.”
Instead, what the former WSL manager highlighted is that the upcoming 2027 edition will feature more than just some big European teams that the Stars and Stripes ft. ladies will definitely play against. “There are Asian teams, African teams, and South American teams. So I think we can make up the schedule by ensuring we play more of them, and there is top-quality football all around the world, not just in Europe.”
(This is a developing story…)
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