FIFA Women's World Cup - list of previous winners in finals: From USA's record-breakers to Japan's big upset
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Updated 19/07/2023 at 07:32 GMT+1
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is upon us with 32 teams battling it out for the chance to reach the final on August 20 in Sydney, Australia. The ninth edition of the tournament will see one team join the list of former winners who have played out a series of memorable finals since the very first showpiece in 1991. We take a look at the previous winners of the tournament.
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With 32 teams competing, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is set to be the biggest tournament to date.
The ninth edition of the competition is being joint-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, with the opening match taking place on July 20, 2023. The 32 participants will eventually be whittled down to just two for the showpiece final in Sydney on August 20.
At its conclusion, only one name will be added to the illustrious list of previous winners, going back to the first final some 32 years ago.
1991 – USA take first title
The first Women’s World Cup final took place at a packed Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou, China.
A brace from Michelle Akers-Stahl helped the United States to a historic 2-1 win over Norway to become the first women’s world champions.
1995 – Norway go one better
Norway would get their revenge against the USA four years later, courtesy of a 1-0 semi-final win, earning them a place in the final against Germany.
The Rasunda Stadium in Solna, Sweden was the venue as goals from Hege Riise and Marianne Pettersen secured victory for the Norwegians.
1999 – USA Spot-on against unfortunate China
America was the venue for the 1999 final as an incredible 90,000 people inside a sold-out Rose Bowl in Pasadena saw the host nation lift the World Cup for a second time.
China pushed them all the way however, with the showpiece match ended 0-0 and requiring penalties.
Brianna Scurry in the US goal denied China’s third taker Liu Yang – the only player to fail to score – before Brandi Chastain dispatched the decisive spot-kick for the win. Chastain's celebration would later be immortalised with a statue at the venue.
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Brandi Chastain
Image credit: Eurosport
2003 – Germany’s golden girls
China was set to host the first tournament of the new millennium, but a severe outbreak of SARS saw the host nation switch to America.
The hosts couldn’t repeat their heroics of four years earlier however and were beaten by a rampant Germany side who met Sweden in the final.
Despite having won all their matches leading to the final, the Germans had to come from behind after the Swedes took the lead. ultimately requiring extra time where Nia Kunzer netted the golden goal to secure the trophy.
2007 – Back-to-back German glory
The tournament finally arrived in China four years later and the Hongkou Football Stadium in Shanghai saw South America’s first-ever representatives in the final.
An impressive Brazil stormed through the competition but fell at the final hurdle when they came up against the defending champions.
Goals from Birgit Prinz and Simone Laudehr saw Germany become the first team to retain the World Cup.
2011 – Japan shock the world
The sixth Women’s World Cup was held in Germany and following China’s efforts in 2009, saw Asia’s second-ever finalists in Japan who, against all odds, found themselves in the final in Frankfurt against the USA.
Alex Morgan’s goal looked to have set the US on their way to a third title until Aya Miyama forced extra time. Abby Wambach’s header put the favourites in front again, but Homare Sawa’s equaliser sent the game to penalties.
Unbelievably, USA failed to score their first three penalties, ultimately allowing Saki Kumagai to score the decisive spot-kick for a shock Japan win.
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The team of Japan celebrates with the cup after winning the FIFA Women's World Cup Final match between Japan and USA at the FIFA World Cup stadium Frankfurt on July 17, 2011 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Joern Pollex/Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
2015 – Lloyd lights up final with wonderstrike
Four years later in Canada, the two teams would meet again but the Americans set about denying their opponents any chance of another upset as a Carli Lloyd brace and a goal from Lauren Holiday made it 3-0 inside 14 minutes.
Lloyd then sealed her hat-trick with one of the most remarkable goals in any World Cup final, beating Japanese keeper Ayumi Kaihori with a stunning lob from the halfway line.
Yuki Ogimi pulled one back and a Julie Johnson goal reduced the deficit further but America's Tobin Heath netted again to seal an emphatic 5-2 win.
2019 – Dutch no match for Four-midable USA
The USA made it to a third successive final and a fifth ever in France at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais where they came up against a spirited Netherlands who had been crowned European champions two years earlier.
However, despite keeping their opponents at bay for much of the match, the Dutch were ultimately undone by a penalty converted by Megan Rapinoe before Rose Lavelle wrapped up a 2-0 win and a fourth World Cup with a fantastic solo effort.
List of FIFA Women's World Cup winners
| Year | Winner |
| 1991 | USA |
| 1995 | Norway |
| 1999 | USA |
| 2003 | Germany |
| 2007 | Germany |
| 2011 | Japan |
| 2015 | USA |
| 2019 | USA |
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