Emma Hayes confirmed as US women’s national team coach

Emma Hayes has been confirmed as the new head coach of the US women's national team.

The Chelsea boss, who will leave her current post at the end of the season, has reportedly agreed a deal which makes her one of the world’s highest-paid female managers.

Hayes said: “This is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history.

“The feelings and connection I have for this team and for this country run deep.

"I’ve dreamed about coaching the USA for a long time so to get this opportunity is a dream come true.

"I know there is work to do to achieve our goals of winning consistently at the highest levels. To get there, it will require dedication, devotion and collaboration from the players, staff and everyone at the US Soccer Federation.”

Hayes, who has led Chelsea to six WSL titles, five Women’s FA Cups, two Continental Cups, the Spring Series, and a Community Shield victory, has been linked with the vacant US role since Vlatko Andonovski resigned in August.

Andonovski had overseen a dismal 2023 World Cup campaign, where they were eliminated in the last 16, the team’s worst ever finish at the tournament.

Chelsea, where Hayes has been in charge since 2012, revealed earlier this month that the 47-year-old would be leaving in May to “pursue a new opportunity outside the WSL and club football”.

US Soccer president, Cindy Parlow Cone said: “Emma is a fantastic leader and world class coach who sets high standards for herself and for everyone around her.

“She has tremendous energy and an insatiable will to win. Her experience in the USA, her understanding of our soccer landscape and her appreciation of what it means to coach this team makes her a natural fit for this role and we could not be more pleased to have her leading our Women’s national team forward.”