The Evolution of FIFA Women's World Cup: A Brief History

An international soccer tournament for national women’s soccer teams is organized by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and is known as the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Discover more about the Women’s World Cup History.

The tournament has been held every four years since 1991, with the exception of the 2023 tournament. Which will be held three years after the 2019 tournament due to scheduling changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

1991, FIFA Women’s World Cup Started in China

The first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in China in 1991. The tournament featured 12 teams from around the world. Also the United States emerged as the champions after beating Norway 2-1 in the final. The tournament was considered a major milestone for women’s soccer, helped to raise the profile of the women’s game around the world.

Since then, the FIFA Women’s World Cup has become a highly anticipated event, with millions of fans tuning in to watch the world’s best women’s soccer players compete for the coveted trophy.

1995 Sweden, The Second Step

the second edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in Sweden in 1995. Four years after the inaugural tournament in China. The tournament also featured 12 teams, with Norway emerging as champions after beating Germany 2-0 in the final.

The 1995 Women’s World Cup was notable for several reasons. Including the introduction of group stages for the first time in the tournament’s history. As well as the adoption of a new tiebreaker system to determine the winner of drawn matches. The tournament was also significant for the increased media coverage it received. Helping to raise the profile of women’s soccer around the world and further cement its place as a major international sport.

1999 USA, Breaking and Setting the Records

the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in the United States and it was a landmark tournament for women’s soccer, setting attendance and viewership records and helping to raise the profile of the women’s game to new heights.

The tournament featured 16 teams, with the United States emerging as champions after a dramatic final against China. Which they won 5-4. The US team, led by iconic players such as Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain. Also Julie Foudy, captured the imagination of the American public and helped to usher in a new era of interest.

The 1999 Women’s World Cup is perhaps best remembered for Chastain’s iconic celebration after scoring the winning penalty in the final. Which involved her removing her shirt and dropping to her knees in celebration. The moment became an iconic image of the tournament and helped to further increase its visibility and appeal. Overall, the 1999 Women’s World Cup was a major milestone for women’s soccer and helped to pave the way for future tournaments and advancements in the women’s game.

2003 USA, A New Champion: Germany

The 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup was held in the United States. But it was Germany who emerged as the new champions. The tournament featured 16 teams, with Germany winning their first-ever Women’s World Cup by defeating Sweden 2-1 in the final. Many matches in the tournament were closely contested, decided by just one goal. Germany’s victory was a major upset since they were not considered favorites.

The 2003 Women’s World Cup also saw the emergence of several new stars in the women’s game. Including Germany’s Birgit Prinz and the United States’ Abby Wambach. Prinz was the tournament’s top scorer with seven goals. While Wambach scored the winning goal in the USA’s quarterfinal match against Norway. Overall, the 2003 Women’s World Cup was a highly competitive and entertaining tournament. Also Germany’s victory helped to cement their place as one of the top teams in the women’s game.

2007 China, The Germans Keep on Winning

Germany won the 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup in China, defeating Brazil 2-0 in the final and winning all six matches. Birgit Prinz was named player of the tournament after scoring seven goals.

The media coverage increased for the tournament and it was considered a major step forward for women’s soccer’s visibility and popularity.

2011 Germany, A Surprise from the Land of the Rising Sun

In the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the tournament was held in Germany and it was won by Japan, surprising everyone. The tournament featured 16 teams, and Japan defeated the United States 3-1 on penalties in the final. After the match had ended in a 2-2 draw.

The final between Japan and the United States was particularly memorable, with Japan coming from behind twice to force the match into extra time and eventually winning on penalties.

Overall, the 2011 Women’s World Cup was a significant tournament for women’s soccer. Also Japan’s victory helped to further raise the profile of the women’s game and inspire a new generation of young players around the world.

Wrapping Up!

The FIFA Women’s World Cup History has been an integral part of women’s soccer since its inception in 1991. Over the years, the tournament has grown in popularity and significance, with each edition bringing new milestones and memorable moments.

From the United States’ dramatic victory in 1999 to Germany’s dominance in 2003 and 2007, to Japan’s surprise win in 2011. The Women’s World Cup has showcased the best of women’s soccer and helped to inspire a new generation of players and fans around the world. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament will continue to be a highly anticipated event. Also we look forward to the next edition in 2023.