As the world eagerly anticipates the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Down Under, let’s take a look back at the list of winners of the Women’s World Cup.
FIFA Women’s World Cup Winner’s list
Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Showdown Details |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | TBD | TBD | Who will etch their name in history? |
2019 | United States | Netherlands | The United States cruised to a decisive 2-0 victory, defending their title with fervor |
2015 | United States | Japan | In a thrilling rematch of the 2011 final, the USA exacted revenge with a resounding 5-2 victory |
2011 | Japan | United States | After a nail-biting 2-2 draw in extra time, Japan triumphed 3-1 in a dramatic penalty shootout |
2007 | Germany | Brazil | Germany clinched their second consecutive title, defeating Brazil 2-0 in a closely contested match |
2003 | Germany | Sweden | Germany secured their first world title, triumphing 2-1 in a thrilling match that went into extra time |
1999 | United States | China | After a tense 0-0 draw in extra time, the USA emerged victorious in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout (5-4) |
1995 | Norway | Germany | Norway defeated Germany 2-0, making a significant mark in the tournament’s history |
1991 | United States | Norway | In the inaugural tournament, the United States set the standard, overcoming Norway with a 2-1 victory |
Inception and Early Days (1991-1999):
The inaugural Women’s World Cup took place in 1991 in China. The United States emerged victorious, setting a high bar for the tournaments to come. By 1999, on home soil, the USWNT secured their second title. The 1999 tournament is best remembered for Brandi Chastain’s iconic celebratory moment after scoring the winning penalty in the final.
- 1991: Winner – United States, Runner-up – Norway, Third Place – Sweden
- 1995: Winner – Norway, Runner-up – Germany, Third Place – United States
- 1999: Winner – United States, Runner-up – China, Third Place – Brazil
The New Millennium: A Time of Change (2003-2011):
The new millennium welcomed new victors. Germany clinched consecutive titles in 2003 and 2007. The 2011 edition saw Japan make history by becoming the first Asian team to win the tournament held in Germany.
- 2003: Winner – Germany, Runner-up – Sweden, Third Place – United States
- 2007: Winner – Germany, Runner-up – Brazil, Third Place – United States
- 2011: Winner – Japan, Runner-up – United States, Third Place – Sweden
Recent Competitions (2015-2019):
The United States returned to form in the most recent competitions, claiming their third World Cup title in 2015 and another in 2019. With a total of four wins, they currently hold the record for the most successful nation in the Women’s World Cup.
- 2015: Winner – United States, Runner-up – Japan, Third Place – England
- 2019: Winner – United States, Runner-up – Netherlands, Third Place – Sweden
Looking Ahead to World Cup 2023 Down Under:
As we anticipate the excitement and athletic prowess of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, we wonder: Will the United States continue their reign, or will a new champion rise?
In the meantime, let’s celebrate the past champions and runners-up for their immense contributions to this beautiful game.
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Photo: Instagram/USWNT