USWNT World Cup Qualifying Gains Insight As Hayes Praises Chile Match Dominance

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Emma Hayes said United States gained valuable knowledge before World Cup qualifying after a comprehensive 5-0 win over Chile, adding to a 6-0 victory against Paraguay, as USWNT used rotated line-ups that still delivered control, goals and defensive security across both January friendlies.

Following the SheBelieves Cup in March, Hayes and United States begin the path towards the 2027 World Cup, and the coach said this opening camp, with different combinations tested, offered clarity on which ideas and player profiles can lead the squad through the qualifying schedule.

Hayes explained that the recent schedule, and the performances against Chile and Paraguay, set an important base for 2026. "This has certainly opened up the year with what we’ve identified as the key themes to take us through to [World Cup]qualification," Hayes said. "This camp has given us the reference points to be able to say those are the things we need to add to go to the next level."

On the pitch at Harder Stadium, United States produced 2.88 expected goals from 21 attempts, did not allow Chile a single shot, and controlled territory for long stretches, which underlined the squad’s depth as several players pushed for greater roles ahead of competitive fixtures.

Croix Bethune made a strong case in attack, scoring the opener in the 18th minute for a first international goal, also creating two chances and contesting the joint-highest number of duels with 10, as the midfielder linked play and found space between Chile’s defensive lines throughout the contest.

Hayes highlighted Bethune’s impact and attitude across the camp. "Its been the best camp I’ve seen from Croix in terms of her approach, her application," Hayes added. "She’s quick, she’s clever. She can unlock things. She can see a pass. I can feel that Croix is going to take another level in her game."

After Bethune’s strike, United States extended the advantage before half-time through Jameese Joseph and Emily Sams, then maintained pressure after the interval, with Emma Sears and Trinity Rodman adding further goals to complete the 5-0 scoreline and mirror the attacking quality displayed in the earlier 6-0 victory over Paraguay.

The back-to-back wins, strong underlying statistics and positive individual displays gave Hayes a detailed picture of options ahead of United States’ World Cup qualifying campaign, with the January work expected to shape selections and tactical choices once SheBelieves Cup duties finish in March.