The USWNT's five-year reign as SheBelieves Cup champions ended on Wednesday, but there are reasons to be optimistic for the team's future

Despite the team's first loss under her leadership, U.S. women's soccer head coach Emma Hayes remains optimistic, highlighting the squad's progress and promising future.

Copyright © 2025 Bleacher Report, Inc. A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.

Japan won the SheBelieves Cup on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over the U.S. women's national team, handing the hosts their first loss since Emma Hayes took over as head coach in June. The visitors got off to a quick start by scoring just two minutes into the game,

The USWNT didn't win its sixth straight SheBelieves Cup, but for Emma Hayes, that's not what this year is about.

I expect it to be a very, very difficult match,” said Emma Hayes prior to yesterday’s clash against Japan in the SheBelieves Cup. Deep down, the English tactician was right—we all know how it turned out for the US Women’s National Team.

"it's okay to be disappointed," U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes said shortly after notching her first loss since taking over last June, a 2-1 defeat to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup finale on Wednesday.

It was a night to forget for the U.S., although the mistakes that led them here likely won't be forgotten too quickly

At last, the 2025 SheBelieves Cup is done and dusted. Matchday 3 saw the USWNT succumb to a 1-2 defeat against Japan, as their five-year tournament streak came to an end. While the whole team is in a somber moment,