Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson is set to see through Australia's Paris Olympics campaign after Chelsea's Emma Hayes was formally named the new head coach of the US women's national team.
Gustavsson, a former USWNT assistant in their 2015 and 2019 Women's World Cup triumphs under Jill Ellis, was among those heavily linked to the US job after guiding Australia to the semi-finals of this year's tournament.
The Swede, contracted with Football Australia until after Paris, has been cagey when pressed on his future.
But following this month's Olympic qualifiers, Gustavsson said he had "unfinished business" with the Matildas.
Australia can seal qualification for next year's Olympics via a two-legged play-off against world No.50 Uzbekistan in February.
It is also unclear what Hayes' imminent departure will mean for Matildas captain and star striker Sam Kerr, who has thrived under the English coach's mentorship and is contracted at Chelsea until the summer of 2024.
Hayes won't take over the US, who are four-time World Cup winners, until May.
It leaves her a short time with the team before they play at the Paris Olympics in late July, including just four friendlies.
Interim coach Twila Kilgore will continue to lead the US until Hayes' arrival after the Women's Super League season ends, and then she will become one of her assistants.
"This is a huge honour to be given the opportunity to coach the most incredible team in world football history," Hayes said in a prepared statement.
"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."
Financial terms of her contract were not made public, but US Soccer said Hayes is set to become "the highest paid women's soccer coach in the world."
Chelsea had announced this month that the 47-year-old was leaving the defending league champions at the end of the season to "pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football."
Hayes has won 14 major trophies at Chelsea, including six WSL titles.
The 47-year-old has led Chelsea to two domestic league and cup doubles and one trophy treble since taking over the team in 2012.
She will have the chance to win a seventh WSL title before she departs Chelsea, who currently sit top of the table.
"I fully understand the place this team has in US society. I've lived it," Hayes said in the statement.
"I remember being a young coach working my way up through the system in the US and watching all those young girls aspire to play on the US Women's National Team.
"For me, the honour in building on that legacy is part of my motivation, no question."
With AP.
