Women’s soccer isn’t just a game—it’s a movement. With the rise of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and women’s sports in general, soccer has exploded in the past few years, inspiring millions of girls to grab their cleats and hit the pitch. From memorable World Cup wins to record-breaking NWSL teams, here are some of the historic firsts in women’s soccer.
1991: The First FIFA Women’s World Cup
It began in 1991 when China hosted the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup. The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) won, defeating Norway 2–1 in the final. This was the birth of women’s soccer on the global stage and set the tone for everything that followed.
1999: First World Cup Victory at Home
Ask any American soccer fan about 1999 and they’ll light up. Over 90,000 fans packed the Rose Bowl to watch the USWNT defeat China in penalty kicks, with Brandi Chastain’s iconic jersey celebration becoming a cultural moment. The third U.S. Women’s World Cup was history-making—it was the first time a women’s sporting event sold out a stadium of that size and it proved the world was ready for women’s soccer.
2013: The NWSL Is Born
After two previous pro leagues folded, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) launched in 2013 with a new model and new promise. It became the first U.S. women’s professional league to last more than three seasons, and it’s growing at lightning speed, with new teams soon to launch in Boston and Denver. Where else should the NWSL expand?
2023: First Women’s World Cup With 32 Teams
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, was the first ever to feature an expanded 32 teams, matching the men’s format. This was an increase from the previous 24 teams. This meant more representation, more talent on display, and more countries seeing themselves in the game. It was also the most-watched Women’s World Cup ever. (Note: Everyone watches women’s sports!)
Angel City FC: First Majority Female-Owned Pro Sports Team
Founded in 2020 and kicking off in 2022, Angel City FC made headlines as the first professional sports team in the world with a majority-female ownership group. With names like Natalie Portman, Abby Wambach, Jennifer Garner, and Serena Williams involved, they’ve become a model for how sports, business, and equity can come together.
2024: Record-Breaking NWSL Attendance
2024 was a record-breaking year for NWSL attendance, reaching two million match attendees for the first time in history. Each year, the NWSL brings in more and more attendees. What will be 2025’s number?
These historic firsts in women’s soccer paved the way for generations of new athletes to play. What will the next “firsts” be? What legacies are being built right now?
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