USWNT Falls to Japan in SheBelieves Cup Finale, but Emma Hayes Sees Growth in Defeat

SAN DIEGO – Defeat comes in different forms, but the feeling is always recognizable. Sometimes, embracing the emotions that follow is the best approach.

"It's okay to be disappointed," U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes said after her team’s 2-1 loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup finale on Wednesday. It was her first defeat since taking over in June. "I told the players that.

"It's really important to remember moments like this and learn from them. I’m looking forward to our next opportunity to build on this progress and gain valuable experience against top-level opponents. I'd much rather face these lessons now than later."

For the USWNT, losses like this have appeared throughout their four-year cycles. Similar moments, such as a friendly defeat to France before the 2015 Women’s World Cup or a 2-0 loss to Mexico ahead of the 2024 Olympics, have ultimately played crucial roles in shaping the team. This time, however, the result isn't a wake-up call but a foundational step in building a new era for the squad.

 
Hayes’ Long-Term Vision Takes Shape
Hayes made it clear that the SheBelieves Cup was always meant to serve as a testing ground for the next generation of talent. Instead of relying on veterans, she assembled a squad composed primarily of players with 30 international caps or fewer, prioritizing valuable experience over short-term results. That’s why, even before kickoff against Japan, she labeled the tournament a success. Following the final whistle, she reaffirmed that sentiment: "Mission accomplished," she said, focusing on the positives.

"I think we can see the progress in players like Ally Sentnor, who came into senior camp and scored a couple of goals, and Lily Yohannes, who got her first two starts at this level," Hayes noted. "We saw new combinations and connections, which naturally come with challenges when playing against a well-drilled opponent."

Sentnor was a standout performer, scoring twice in three games, including the USWNT’s lone goal against Japan. In the absence of Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith), she made a strong case for her place in the squad as the team looks toward the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

"Ally has shown throughout her rise in the youth national teams and her first year that she has game-changing qualities," Hayes said. "She makes the most of the few chances she gets, which is what top players do. This tournament will give her confidence, and back-to-back starts will help her grow."

At the same time, Hayes acknowledged that some lessons will only come with experience. She highlighted Yohannes, a 17-year-old with just four caps, who was tasked with controlling midfield against Yui Hasegawa, a Japanese veteran approaching 100 caps and regarded as one of the best deep-lying midfielders in the world.

"Recognizing when to retain possession is key because otherwise, you're chasing the game all night," Hayes explained. "We attract pressure well, but breaking it down and making smarter decisions in key moments is something we need to work on. These are valuable learning experiences that will shape the team moving forward."

 
No Panic, Just Progress
Despite the loss, there was no sense of alarm in the USWNT camp. Hayes framed it as part of the natural development process rather than a setback.

"Growth isn’t linear," she emphasized. "You need moments like this to understand where you are on that path. This is an exciting journey, and our future looks bright, regardless of this result."

 
Building Toward 2027
Hayes is making full use of the long road to the next Women's World Cup, carefully evaluating her player pool. A key part of her strategy involves dividing players into those ready for senior-team integration and those who will gain experience with the U-23 squad. This youth development pipeline, which will feature frequent concurrent camps with the senior team, is designed to accelerate player readiness for 2027 and beyond.

"We have to assess who is ready now and who needs more time," Hayes said. "We have structured processes to ensure decisions aren’t made emotionally. Our head of youth development, Tracey Kevins, along with the technical staff, will evaluate the best progression paths for each player in the coming weeks."

Rather than rushing development, Hayes is focusing on all aspects of a player’s transition to the senior level.

"Settling into a new environment takes time," she noted, using goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce as an example. "This is just her second camp. Before even thinking about performances, players need time to build relationships off the field, and that’s part of the process."

 
What’s Next?
The USWNT will continue their preparations with a pair of matches against Olympic silver medalists Brazil in April, followed by additional fixtures in the months ahead.

"Now it’s on to the next step," Hayes said. "We have camps in April, May, and June, and then a longer period to further refine our identity. That’s something we’re really excited about."

With a clear long-term vision, Hayes is ensuring that setbacks like the SheBelieves Cup loss are stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks on the path to success.