USWNT Completes Redemption with Paris Olympics Gold: The Real Challenge Starts Now for the 2027 World Cup

08/10/2024

The reputation of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is steeped in a legacy of historic success. However, heading into the 2024 Olympics in France, the team faced a surprising challenge—none of its current members had ever won a gold medal. This glaring gap in their achievements was underscored by the disappointment of an early exit from last year’s Women’s World Cup. To complicate matters, new head coach Emma Hayes had only four games to work with her squad before the Olympic journey, leading many to lower their expectations.

But what seemed like a daunting obstacle turned out to be a stepping stone. After playing six games over 17 days in France, the USWNT emerged as Olympic gold medalists for the first time in 12 years, defeating Brazil 1-0 at Paris’ Parc des Princes. This victory marked a significant comeback and answered the many questions raised after last year’s World Cup disappointment.

In the short window between their first game in early June and their Olympic opener in late July, the decision by U.S. Soccer to appoint Hayes proved to be a smart one. The gold medal not only validated the process led by assistant coach Twila Kilgore in Hayes’ absence but also provided ample opportunities for younger players to shine on the international stage. The attacking trio of Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman each scored three goals, with Swanson securing the match-winning goal in the gold medal game.

This achievement is even more remarkable considering the challenges ahead. While the group stage saw the USWNT dominate with a 9-1 aggregate score, reminiscent of their historic ability to outclass opponents, the knockout rounds were far more cautious. The team conceded only three goals throughout the tournament, relying on strong defense that had been a hallmark of their World Cup run. Against Brazil, they were clearly the underdogs until Swanson’s goal shifted the momentum, though they were fortunate to withstand their opponent’s relentless attack in the first half.

Hayes acknowledged the difficulties in preparing for the Olympics, noting that the team’s focus on emerging talent sometimes came at the expense of veteran experience, inadvertently hindering their own growth. Despite her bold decision to leave out seasoned players like Alex Morgan in favor of younger, in-form talent, Hayes maintained her strategy upon arrival in France. She frequently altered the lineup and substitutions, pushing players to their limits as she sought to build team chemistry.

Her approach often seemed like a double-edged sword. Hayes prioritized fostering connections within the team, even if it meant risking sluggish performances in the early stages of matches. The compressed preparation period left her with little choice, and she may have felt justified when the gold medal was finally in hand.

Yet, this feels like the beginning of a new chapter, one that isn’t entirely settled, largely due to the flaws exposed in France. While Swanson, Smith, and Rodman carried the team on their shoulders at times, and veteran goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher delivered clutch performances, there are still many areas where the USWNT can improve.

Chief among these is the midfield imbalance that has persisted since Sam Mewis was sidelined by injuries following the Tokyo Olympics, ultimately leading to her retirement in 2024. Hayes is aware of this issue, making some significant decisions even as she established a new status quo at the Olympics. Corbin Albert started over Rose Lavelle in the gold medal match, while Lindsey Horan took on a more attacking role, deviating from her usual deeper position alongside Lavelle. The trio of Albert, Horan, and Sam Coffey is still searching for the right balance, indicating that this is a long-term project requiring some tough calls from Hayes.

With ample time before their next major international tournament, the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, Hayes has an opportunity to fully implement her vision for the national team. Maintaining a top position in the increasingly competitive landscape of women’s soccer is no easy task.

While Hayes works on tangible improvements in the coming years, she has already restored something intangible in record time. Despite their evident flaws against Brazil, Hayes and her team have rekindled the aura of inevitability that has defined the USWNT for decades. Winning remains woven into the fabric of this team, even if it’s filled with players who had never experienced it at the international level before. Yet, those without prior winning experience wasted little time in reaching the podium.