The United States has been on the podium in each edition of the Women’s Soccer World Cup.
And on almost every occasion, he was on top.
Since it began in 1991, the US team has won four of the first eight editions of the World Cup. In the years that they did not win the Cup, the USA reached the semifinals in every tournament, finishing as runner-up once and third place three times.
In 2019 the USA became the fourth team, women’s or men’s, to win the World Cup twice. Now, they play the 2023 Cup this month, looking to make history by becoming the first team in history to win the Cup for the third time in a row.
Here’s a look at the teams that won the Women’s Soccer World Cup:
1991 – United States
Runner-up: Norway, third place Sweden
The USA won the first World Cup, which was called the FIFA World Cup for Soccer at the time, and established its dominance in the sport. Michelle Akers scored both goals in the 2-1 win against Norway in the final.
1995 – Norway
Runner-up Germany, third place USA
Norway beat champions USA 1-0 in the semifinal and then defeated Germany 2-0 in the final to become the first European country to win the women’s World Cup.
1999 – United States
Runner-up China, third place Brazil
In one of the most famous moments in women’s soccer history, the USA defeated China on penalties in the final, with Brandi Chastain scoring the game-winner. The USA won the Cup on their ground, in the final that was played at the Rose Bowl in California.
2003 – Germany
Runner-up Sweden, third place United States
With the 2-1 win against Sweden, Germany became the first country to win both the men’s and women’s World Cups.
2007 – Germany
Runner-up Brazil, third place United States
Germany became the first women’s team to win the World Cup twice, and the third in both categories, joining teams from Italy and Brazil. Germany defeated Brazil 2-0 in the final and finished goalless, scoring 21 goals.
2011 – Japan
Runner-up United States, third place Sweden
Japan stunned Germany 1-0 in the quarterfinals. And they beat the United States in the final in overtime 3-1.
2015 – United States
Runner-up Japan, third place England
The United States became the first team to win the World Cup three times. In a repeat of the 2011 final against Japan, she scored four goals in the first 16 minutes, with Carli Lloyd scoring three.
2019 United States
Runner-up Netherlands, third place Sweden
The United States thus won its two consecutive cups, defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in the final of its fourth World Cup. Megan Rapinoe opened the scoring with a penalty goal and Rose Lavelle sealed the win minutes later.
Only four destination countries have won the World Cup:
United States 4 (1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019)
Germany 2 (2003 and 2007)
Norway (1995)
Japan (2011)
