The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France set records for viewership and attendance, with the USWNT winning their fourth title amid equal pay battles and Megan Rapinoe’s activism.
Tournament Success
The United States defeated the Netherlands 2-0 in the final on July 7, 2019, successfully defending their 2015 championship. It was the USWNT’s fourth World Cup title (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019).
Megan Rapinoe won the Golden Boot (top scorer, 6 goals) and Golden Ball (best player), becoming the face of the tournament at age 33.
Record Viewership
The tournament drew 1.12 billion viewers globally, with the final watched by 82 million (including 14.3 million in the US, the most-watched soccer match ever on US television).
Total attendance exceeded 1.13 million across 52 matches, averaging 21,756 fans per game—both World Cup records for women’s soccer.
Equal Pay Protest
The USWNT sued US Soccer for gender discrimination in March 2019, three months before the tournament. The lawsuit alleged women earned 38 cents per dollar compared to the men’s team.
Fans chanted “Equal Pay!” during the championship celebration. The team used the platform to amplify their demands, with FIFA awarding $30 million in prize money (vs. $400 million for men’s 2018 tournament).
Megan Rapinoe vs. Trump
Rapinoe told a reporter she wouldn’t visit the White House if the US won, sparking a Twitter feud with President Donald Trump. Trump criticized her as disrespectful; she doubled down on activism.
Her goal celebration pose (arms wide, head back) became iconic, symbolizing confidence and defiance. She won Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2019).
Global Growth
The tournament showcased women’s soccer’s global expansion, with competitive matches from African and Asian teams. VAR (Video Assistant Referee) was used for the first time at a Women’s World Cup.
USWNT Dominance
The US went 7-0 without conceding a goal until the final, outscoring opponents 26-3 across the tournament. Alex Morgan scored five goals, including a tea-sipping celebration vs. England that went viral.
The team’s depth and athleticism outclassed opponents, continuing their legacy as the most successful women’s national team.
Post-Tournament Impact
The USWNT eventually settled their equal pay lawsuit in February 2022 for $24 million and equal revenue sharing with the men’s team, a landmark victory for women’s sports.
#FIFAWWC became a rallying cry for gender equality in sports, with the tournament proving women’s soccer could draw massive global audiences and revenue.
2023 Follow-Up
The USWNT’s shocking Round of 16 exit at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand marked the end of an era, with Rapinoe retiring and the team facing new competition from Europe.
https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/womens/womensworldcup/france2019
https://en.wikipedia.org/‘s_World_Cup