Female pundit Emma Hayes hits back at sexism row after she was shown on TV with 'kitchen' behind her

Emma Hayes appears to be unimpressed with claims that she's been given a 'kitchen' set for her World Cup analysis.

The former Chelsea Women's coach is part of ITV's roster of pundits for the 2026 tournament, using her football expertise to offer tactical analysis during the much-loathed hydration breaks.

However, her segment during England's 4-2 victory over Croatia caught attention for all the wrong reasons, as the broadcaster was accused of putting the accomplished coach in a set which many thought resembled a kitchen to deliver her analysis.

The moment caused fierce debate online, with several people accusing ITV of sexism, with one person writing at the time: "I’m not sure ITV are massively advancing the idea of women’s equality in football by having Emma Hayes give her analysis from a set which looks like she’s stuck in a kitchen?"

"Great analysis from Emma Hayes, but why is she in a kitchen with a blackboard? Pure misogyny," a second added.

However, Hayes appears to have now hit back at the criticism during her analysis for Brazil's win over Haiti in the early hours of this morning, with the US Women's National Team coach delivering some choice words at the start of her segment.

Looking directly into the camera, Hayes said: "Let’s focus on the first half. I know that’s a challenge for some of us at home.

"But I’m going to encourage us to look at some of the things going on in the game."

Emma Hayes' Hydration Break Analysis pic.twitter.com/QHHJPOBCbQ

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 20, 2026

The segment did have one small change however, with the chalkboard being replaced by blue and white magnets.

Although a minor change, this was welcomed by viewers, who noted the magnets made her analysis easier to follow.

"Emma Hayes’ tactics set-up has improved. ITV must have seen the feedback," one person wrote on social media.

"No more noughts and crosses; the magnets make it look so much better. Good analysis as well – she broke down what Brazil are trying to do in a matter of moments."

"ITV upgrading Emma Hayes to magnets from chalk is the least they could have done… now get her out of the kitchen-looking studio so people will actually listen to what she’s saying… she’s a great tactician," added another.

After delivering her tactical analysis of the Brazilian attack, Hayes signed off by saying: "I’m sure you will see that when you watch the first half, so pay attention."

Brazil's 3-0 win over Haiti wasn't the only overnight World Cup action, with Paraguay's Miguel Almiron becoming the first player to be sent off after breaking a new FIFA rule.

LADbible previously approached ITV and Emma Hayes for comment.