Every FIFA Women's World Cup Final: A Look Back
Short overview
As the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil approaches, FIFA revisits all nine previous finals, from USA's first title in 1991 to Spain's 2023 victory. The tournament will feature 32 teams for the second time and will be held at the Maracanã.
The FIFA Women's World Cup is set to return in 2027, with Brazil hosting the tenth edition from 24 June to 25 July. This will be the second time the tournament features 32 teams and the first time it is held in South America. The final will take place at the iconic Estádio do Maracanã, and the full match schedule has been confirmed. Spain are the current champions, having defeated England 1-0 in the 2023 final.
As anticipation builds, FIFA looks back at the nine previous finals that have shaped the history of women's football.
The Early Years: USA and Norway Dominate
1991: USA Claim the Inaugural Title
The first Women's World Cup in 1991 featured only 12 teams and 26 matches. The final saw the USA face Norway, with the Americans emerging victorious 2-1. Michelle Akers scored twice, while Linda Medalen netted for Norway. This was the first of the USA's four titles.
1995: Norway's Revenge
In Sweden, Norway avenged their 1991 defeat by topping the USA in the semi-finals and then beating Germany 2-0 in the final, with goals from Hege Riise and Marianne Pettersen.
Host Nation Glory and European Triumphs
1999: USA Win on Home Soil
The 1999 tournament was held in the USA, and the final at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena drew a sold-out crowd. The USA and China PR played to a 0-0 draw after extra time, and the USA won 5-4 on penalties, with Brandi Chastain scoring the decisive kick in one of the most memorable moments in tournament history.
2003: Germany's First Title
Four years later, the USA hosted again but fell to Germany in the semi-finals. The final was an all-European affair between Germany and Sweden, with Germany winning 2-1 after Nia Kuenzer scored in extra time.
2007: Germany Make History
China hosted the 2007 tournament, and Brazil became the first South American nation to reach the final. However, Germany won 2-0 with goals from Birgit Prinz and Simone Laudehr, becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles.
New Champions and Record-Breaking Finals
2011: Japan's Shock Victory
Germany hosted in 2011 but their reign ended. The USA faced Japan in the final, and after a 2-2 draw, Japan won on penalties to claim their first Women's World Cup.
2015: USA's Record-Breaking Win
In Canada, the USA and Japan met again in the final. The USA won 5-2, the highest-scoring final in tournament history. Carli Lloyd scored a hat-trick, with Lauren Holiday and Tobin Heath also on target.
2019: USA Repeat as Champions
The tournament returned to Europe for the third time, and the USA faced the Netherlands in the final. Goals from Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe secured a 2-0 win, making the USA the second team to win back-to-back titles.
Spain's Historic Triumph in 2023
The 2023 tournament was the first to be held across two countries, Australia and New Zealand. Spain and England both reached their first final, with Olga Carmona scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win for Spain in Sydney.
As the world looks ahead to Brazil 2027, these nine finals have set the stage for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in women's football history.
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