ITV cut away from live World Cup coverage to broadcast emotional segment led by Emma Hayes

USWNT head coach Emma Hayes used her tactical segment of ITV’s World Cup coverage to deliver a powerful Father's Day tribute during the Group G clash between Belgium and Iran.

Hayes, who has received widespread praise for her punditry at this summer's World Cup, has been brought in by ITV to provide in-depth analysis during the much-talked-about hydration breaks.

On Sunday, she delivered her take on Belgium's goalless draw with Iran before pausing her tactical segment to pay a heartfelt tribute to her late dad, Sid, who passed away in 2023.

“One last thing, happy Father’s Day to everyone at home," said Hayes. “I know it’s a great day and it’s also my father’s heavenly birthday today and I want to say one thing to you dad up in heaven.

“Thank you for giving me so much confidence to have the opportunity to do this and so I leave you with this beautiful view.”

Moments later, Hayes turned around to look at the Brooklyn skyline and in doing so, she revealed a powerful five-word message on the jacket she was wearing. It read: "She will change the world."

"Thank you for giving me so much confidence..."

Emma Hayes with a poignant message on Father's Day ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qXMLB7VcVG

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 21, 2026

The message is believed to be one of her father's mantras, according to The Telegraph.

Sid Hayes was a pioneer of women’s football. He helped play a crucial role in building an Arsenal team that dominated for years and was instrumental in establishing youth leagues in Regent's Park.

In fact, he spent the best part of 50 years giving up his spare time to run teams for children, women and men in the borough.

Following his death in 2023 after a battle with lung cancer, Emma Hayes paid a powerful tribute to her father.

“He was my champion,” she said. “He always told me ‘you are going to change the face of the women’s game’. But make sure you go hard. Whip it up. He gave me confidence to take risk, to go after it.

“Nothing was ever enough for him. It was always about doing something for others, and teaching people – from what you do in training to your menstrual cycle. ‘Teach the world’, he used to say – and call-out the crap behaviour.

"There is no question I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am without him.”

Hayes is widely regarded as one of the most influential managers in the history of women's football. She guided Chelsea to seven Women’s Super League titles, including five successive wins between 2020 and 2024.