Who is Emma Hayes? What to know about ITV FIFA World Cup pundit and football manager

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is in full swing, and while much of the attention has rightfully been on the players, one person the Internet can't get enough of off the pitch is Emma Hayes.

The TV pundit joined ITV's coverage of the competition this year, which is headed up by Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ian Wright. Emma got everyone talking during her mid-game analysis of the match, which saw her go over key plays of the match on a chalkboard in a kitchen scene set-up while the players were having their hydration break.

While other pundits for a variety of sports are usually given a digital board to go over analysis, many viewers were surprised to see the old-fashioned approach Emma was given by ITV. But despite the set-up, the audience (us included) loved Emma's explanations and analysis during the hydration breaks.

We were also obsessed with her recent jacket choice during Sunday's coverage of the games when Emma paid tribute to her dad live on air for Father's Day and wore a jacket with the words 'she will change the world' on the back.

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Curious about Emma? Here's everything to know about her.

What is Emma Hayes' career so far?

Emma Hayes is a football pundit and manager. She is the current head coach of the US' women's football team and is also appearing on ITV's coverage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

She began her football career during her teenage years when she played for Arsenal's academy as a mid-fielder. However, an ankle injury forced her to stop playing professionally.

Since the she's gone onto manage a variety of women's football teams including Chelsea (from 2012 to 2024), Chicago Red Stars and Iona Gaels.

Under her leadership the US Women's Football team went onto win a gold medal during the 2026 Olympics. In 2016 she was appointed an MBE and in 2022 she was awarded an OBE for her services to football.