Women’s World Cup: a brief history of the FIFA tournament

We’re counting down to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and thought it may be worth a little reflection time on how we reached this point. Interest in the women’s game has never been higher and the upcoming edition of the international tournament that is held every four years, will be the ninth.

Beginning in 1991 in China, we now focus our attention on Australia and New Zealand, the joint hosts of the tournament which kicks off on 20 July and concludes on 20 August when we will find out if the USWNT retains its title or if we have new queens of the world. Here is a brief history of the tournaments that have come before...

Women’s World Cup: location, final, winners

1991 China: a new dawn

Final: United States beats Norway

The inaugural edition saw 12 teams participate. The tournament was initially planned to be called the “1st FIFA World Championship for Women’s Football for the M&M’s Cup” (due to a sponsorship deal), but was eventually shortened to the “FIFA Women’s World Cup”. The United States won the tournament, defeating Norway 2-1 in the final.

1995 Sweden: hat-trick history

Final: Norway beats Germany

Once again we had 12 teams competing and this time the bridesmaids of four years previous, Norway, emerged victorious, defeating Germany 2-0 in the final. The tournament saw the first-ever hat-trick in Women’s World Cup history, scored by Linda Medalen of Norway.

1999 United States: stars, stripes and celebrations

Final: United States beats China

The women’s game is getting more attention by this point and the USWNT in particular making headlines as 16 teams now got a place in the finals, which was held in the US. This tournament is perhaps the most iconic of all Women’s World Cups, due to the US team’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over China in the final. The tournament is also remembered for the raucous support of the home fans, who set attendance records. There were 90,185 spectators at the Rose Bowl in California to see their heroes defeat China 5-4 from the spot after a 0-0 draw in normal time. Brandi Chastain’s iconic celebration after scoring the winning penalty kick in the final is still one of the most memorable moments in Women’s World Cup history.

2003 United States: a Prinz is crowned

Final: Germany beats Sweden

Another 16 teams were involved in this fourth edition, as we headed back to the US. But it wasn’t to be as happy a time for the home supporters. Instead it was the Germans who emerged as the top dogs, beating fellow Europeans Sweden 2-1 in the final. The competition saw the emergence of Birgit Prinz as one of the best players in the world, as she won the Golden Ball award for the tournament’s best player.

2007 China: samba trip

Final: Germany beats Brazil

The fifth Women’s World Cup saw us return to inaugural hosts China, and we again had 16 teams battling it out. Germany won the tournament for the second time, defeating Brazil 2-0 in the final. The tournament saw a controversial incident in the semi-final between Germany and Norway, when German player Kerstin Stegemann was accused of intentionally tripping Norwegian star Lene Mykjåland. The incident led to accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct and saw increased scrutiny on referees. We also remember Marta shine for Brazil, picking up the Golden Boot and Golden Ball that year.

2011 Germany: a rising sun surprise

Final: Japan beats United States

Someone once said that football is a ‘funny old game’ and Japan highlighted this as they pulled off a surprise victory in the final, defeating the United States 3-1 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw. The tournament saw the emergence of Japanese star Homare Sawa, who won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards as top scorer and best player, respectively.

2015 Canada: Lloyd hat gives US third

Final: United States beats Japan

Canada laid on the stadia for FIFA this time around and with it we saw 24 teams participating for the first time. The United States reclaimed the trophy, defeating Japan 5-2 in the final in one of the most dominant performances in Women’s World Cup history. The tournament also saw the emergence of Carli Lloyd as one of the best players in the world, as she scored a hat-trick in the final and won the Golden Ball award for best player.

2019 France: Rapinoe makes a stand

Final: United States beats Netherlands

Last time out we were in the European nation of France, and again had 24 teams involved. Despite a strong Netherlands team, the Parisian final saw the US pick up their fourth global title, by the scoreline 2-0. Megan Rapinoe was one of the stars of the tournament, both on and off the field, as the US team used their platform to advocate for gender and other rights. She also landed the most votes for best female player in the world later that year.

2023 Australia & New Zealand: ...

We are upping the numbers again this year, with 32 nations split into eight groups of four. No matter what lies ahead, here on AS USA we’ll have you covered.