Hayes is still early into her tenure as the USA head coach, but the signs are overwhelmingly positive.
Even if you were to take the gold medal out of the equation, it becomes more clear every game that the American side is on the right track now more than ever.
It’s not just in the performances, which have impressed in their own right, but the numbers back it up too.
They are now 11 games unbeaten since Hayes took the reigns, winning 10.
Iceland’s goal was just the third they have conceded during that time – but perhaps the most impressive fact of all, is that the USWNT are yet to trail a game in which the English coach has taken charge.
It shows the fearless style their new coach has instilled – no sitting back and waiting for the opposition to make the first move, but rather attack, attack, attack.
That kind of approach makes them a feared side for any team to face.
The best is yet to come
It keeps being said by players, pundits, and fans alike, but it really feels like Hayes has only scratched the surface of what is possible with this side.
Winning gold two months into her tenure was some achievement, but it speaks volumes about what they can achieve together with time on their side.
Speaking in the build-up to their win against Iceland, Hayes revealed that the games that come next for the USA are very much all about focusing on the aforementioned ‘27 and ‘28 tournament cycles.
“We’re really just reviewing internally how we take ourselves to the next place, and that involves a myriad of things,” she said.
“But it’s certainly been a really busy period post-Olympics, but one that I’m really, really enjoying.”
Her words marry with her actions – two teenagers on the scoresheet and two deserved debuts kicking off the international break.
The firsts are expected to continue, not just in this window but in subsequent ones.
Flexibility with her roster alludes to more players getting the opportunity to impress, but it also gives Hayes time to experiment and find out the best formula for success.