What is the USWNT’s World Cup record? What is USA’s best finish at a World Cup?

The United States Women’s National Team, known simple as the USWNT, has etched its name in the annals of footballing history. The players have captured the hearts of millions with their determination and skill on the field of play, while inspired and given hope to many off it. They’ve also ruffled a few feathers along the way.

And with the action well underway Down Under for the 2023 World Cup, jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand, the women representing the stars and stripes know that they are on the verge of making even more history. They came into this tournament as one of the favourites and a victory after four weeks of play among 32 nations will see them do something that no team, male or female, has done before. Let’s consider the World Cup record of the USWNT and see how they can etch their names into the history books forever.

USWNT: glory from the start

Since the inception of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991, the USWNT has established an enviable track record, boasting an impressive collection of accolades. They secured their maiden victory in that year, displaying their dominance in China, overpowering the competition and securing the trophy with a 2-1 triumph against Norway in the final.

This was a sign of what was to come.

The USWNT continued to set new standards of excellence, emerging as the undisputed powerhouse of women’s soccer, and personalities were being made. They captured the World Cup crown once again in 1999, beating China in the final, in a memorable tournament held on home soil. With iconic moments like Brandi Chastain’s jubilant celebration and Mia Hamm’s mesmerizing performances, they left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.

Other nations began to catch up with the US and Germany took the next two world titles overcoming Sweden and Brazil in the respective finals. But the USWNT was never far away, and has actually never finished worse than third place. And despite heartbreak in the 2011 final, where they fell to Japan on penalties, they bounced back in style on the global stage.

In 2015, the USWNT embarked on a journey to reclaim their throne. They roared through the tournament with an air of invincibility, and revenge was theirs in a scintillating final against Japan, as they orchestrated a masterclass, annihilating their opponents with a mesmerizing 5-2 triumph. Carli Lloyd’s stunning hat-trick in the first 16 minutes set the tone for an unforgettable match.

Back-to-back World Cups

The 2019 World Cup in France served as a testament to the USWNT’s mettle. not only on the field but the aforementioned fights off it, primarily focused on equality. Battling both opponents and preconceived notions, they faced intense scrutiny and criticism. Undeterred, they maintained their focus and put on a display of sheer dominance.

The tournament witnessed the continued rise of stars like Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan, who spearheaded the team’s charge, and propelled the USWNT to the pinnacle once more. It culminated in a 2-0 victory against the Netherlands in the final, cementing their status as back-to-back champions.

Ready to make history in 2023

So to this year’s tournament. No team, and this applies to the men’s game too, has ever won three consecutive World Cup titles. It would also be their fifth global triumph in total. What a way for the likes of Rapinoe to bow out...