The Most Successful Women’s World Cup Winners

By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: 23 August 2024

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief

Blake Roberts is the founder of Betting.US and is currently heading the creative team as Editor in Chief. Born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia, Blake is a great sports fan, with football and basketball being his favorite. He’s our trusted voice for all betting-related matters.

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Women’s World Cup Winners

• Women’s World Cup Winners List
• Women’s World Cup Past Winners
• History of the Women’s World Cup
• USA: Dominance in Women’s World Cup
• Germany: European Powerhouse
• Norway: Pioneers in Women’s Soccer
• Japan: Asia’s Finest
• Spain: Most Recent WWC Winner

Women’s World Cup winners may not be as well-known as the men’s World Cup, but this is slowly beginning to change. Women’s soccer in general continues to grow in popularity, and in today’s blog, we’ll be looking at everything from women’s soccer World Cup history to the teams who’ve racked up the most wins!

Women’s World Cup Winners List

The FIFA Women’s World Cup, the most prestigious tournament in women’s soccer, has been showcasing the incredible talent and skill of female athletes since its creation in 1991. Whether you want to learn more, so you can bet on the FIFA Women’s World Cup, or are simply curious about which teams have won the most Women’s World Cup trophies, this blog aims to answer all of your questions!

Before we get onto the Women’s World Cup winners list, Here’s a quick overview of the most recent winners of the competition:

A Rundown of Women’s World Cup Past Winners

The Women’s World Cup, officially called the FIFA Women’s World Cup, is the most prestigious and significant tournament in the women’s international soccer circuit. The tournament began in 1991, decades after the men’s version, which started in 1930. The push for a women’s international tournament gained momentum throughout the 1980s, and eventually, China stepped up to the plate, hosting the first ever.

The first Women’s World Cup in 1991 featured 12 teams, a modest number compared to the later editions. The United States won the first tournament, defeating Norway in the final and setting the stage for the growth of women’s soccer globally. The success of the initial tournament demonstrated a significant audience and competitive interest in women’s soccer, leading to its rapid development – and, before long, money began pouring into the event.

By the 1995 World Cup in Sweden, the tournament began to increase its international appeal, although it maintained the 12-team format. Norway claimed the championship this time, defeating Germany in the final.

The 1999 Women’s World Cup, held in the United States, marked a turning point for the sport. It was the first to be held in full-sized stadiums, and it set new records for attendance, including over 90,000 spectators at the final in Pasadena, California. The iconic image of Brandi Chastain celebrating her winning penalty for the USA in a sports bra is said to be one of the most iconic sporting images in history, and it did a huge amount for the sport’s international image.

The Women’s World Cup expanded to 16 teams in 1999 and then to 24 teams in 2015, reflecting the increasing talent and competition worldwide. This expansion allowed for the inclusion of teams from Africa, Asia, and South America, regions that have seen significant investment and improvement in women’s soccer in recent years.

Technological advancements and increasing media coverage have also played crucial roles in the tournament’s evolution. High-definition broadcasts and social media platforms have brought players’ stories and tournament dramas to a global audience, enhancing fan engagement and support.

USA: Dominance in Women’s World Cup

The first name on the list of Women’s World Cup past winners must be the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), the most successful team in the history of the Women’s World Cup, boasting an impressive four titles (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019). The journey began in 1991 in China, where they became the first Women’s World Cup winners, setting a precedent for what would come later down the line.

The 1999 tournament, hosted by the United States, marked another significant milestone in women’s sports. As we mentioned earlier, it was highlighted by the iconic image of Brandi Chastain celebrating her winning penalty in the final against China – and this was something that would go on to become a symbol of women’s sport around the world.

The USWNT continued to excel with a commanding performance in the 2015 World Cup in Canada, scoring a record-breaking five goals in the final against Japan, the most ever in a final. Carli Lloyd’s hat-trick in that match is one of the fastest and most remarkable in the history of the Women’s World Cup.

Their most recent World Cup win happened in 2019 in France, and it saw them defeat the Netherlands, cementing their status as the most successful international team in women’s soccer. Unlike the men’s World Cup, the USA’s female team has seen solid performances, and while they didn’t manage to win the 2023 title (Spain did) they continue to be, by and large, the most successful team currently playing.

Germany: European Powerhouse

Next on the Women’s World Cup champions list is Germany. The German women’s national team stands out as another dominant force in Women’s World Cup history with two titles in 2003 and 2007. Their first win in 2003, at a tournament held in the United States, was marked by a golden goal in the final against Sweden, and it was also one of the best goals in the whole tournament!

The 2007 tournament in China saw Germany defend their title successfully, a rare feat in Women’s World Cup history. They did so without conceding a single goal throughout the tournament, and this is something you don’t even see in men’s soccer!

Players like Birgit Prinz perfectly showcase the high-level talent that Germany has to offer, and it’s very likely that we’ll see the German women’s side come back onto the stage once again; while they haven’t won since 2007, they continue to play solid soccer – and their influence even extends beyond the pitch.

Germany has played a significant role in promoting women’s soccer both domestically and internationally, contributing to the sport’s growing popularity and competitiveness. The female soccer league in Germany also offers some of the highest salaries – something that’s been a hot topic for a number of years, after it was revealed how much less women are paid than men.

Norway: Pioneers in Women’s Soccer

Norway’s prominence in the Women’s World Cup is not only due to their victory in 1995 but also their consistent performance in international women’s soccer, shown by them reaching the final in the inaugural tournament in 1991.

Norway’s success can be attributed to several iconic players who have left a significant mark on the sport. One of the most notable figures is Hege Riise, whose exceptional midfield play was crucial in Norway’s 1995 campaign. Riise’s ability to control the pace of the game and her visionary passing helped Norway to perfect their attack and play the ball precisely and effectively.

Another key player, Linda Medalen, was known for her versatility, playing both as a forward and a defender. Medalen’s robust defensive skills and abilities in the air made her a dual threat, and she was also Norway’s top scorer in the 1991 World Cup.

Additionally, goalkeeper Bente Nordby was another notable player for the team, proving to be one of the most reliable keepers in women’s soccer history.

Norway’s approach to the game often involved a strong, physical style of play, complemented by flexibility in the strategy department. Norway was also known for their ability to execute counter-attacks, utilizing the pace of their forwards to exploit spaces left by opposing defenses.

While they haven’t won a title since their sole World Cup win, the Norwegian women’s side continues to perform well on the international stage.

Japan: Asia’s Finest

The next name on our Women’s World Cup winners list is Japan. Their win in the 2011 Women’s World Cup was a monumental achievement that highlighted their soccer abilities. The Nadeshiko, as the team is known in their home country, were led by a group of players whose skill and determination captivated the world.

Homare Sawa, the captain, was instrumental throughout the tournament, not least during the final where her equalizing goal eventually led to a penalty shootout. Sawa’s leadership and her ability to perform in crucial moments earned her the Golden Ball and Golden Boot for the tournament, making her one of the most celebrated figures in women’s soccer.

Another crucial player for Japan was Aya Miyama, known for her precise set-piece delivery and exceptional ball control. Miyama’s ability to dictate play from midfield and her calmness under pressure were vital components of Japan’s success.

Defense-wise, it was often Saki Kumagai who did the job, and it was actually her penalty that clinched the team’s World Cup victory. Japan’s style of play, characterized by short passing and maintaining possession, was somewhat revolutionary at the time and posed a stark contrast to the more physical style favored by many Western teams.

This approach not only brought them success but also influenced the skill-based developments in women’s soccer around the world. Japan’s World Cup win has had a huge impact on women’s soccer in general – particularly throughout Asia.

Their 2011 win significantly boosted the sport’s popularity and development across the continent, leading to increased investment and interest in women’s soccer in Asia. The legacy of players like Sawa and Miyama continues to inspire a new generation of female soccer players in Japan and beyond.

Spain: Most Recent WWC Winner

The final name on the list of Women’s World Cup past winners is Spain, who won the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking a significant milestone in their soccer history. This win not only showcased the talent and dedication of the Spanish women’s team but also highlighted the rapid growth and development of women’s soccer in the country.

Spain’s journey to the top was a pretty inspiring story, actually – not least because it was the side’s first World Cup win! Throughout the tournament, they displayed a type of soccer that was both entertaining and effective. Their possession-based style, combined with their technical abilities, proved to be a formidable combination.

The team’s abilities on the pitch were clear as they effortlessly transitioned from defense to attack, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

One of the key players for Spain was midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, who was deservedly awarded the Golden Ball for her exceptional performances. Her creativity, vision, and ability to control the speed of the game were key parts of Spain’s success. Alongside Bonmatí, players like Jennifer Hermoso, Salma Paralluelo, and Alba Redondo also made significant contributions, showcasing the depth and quality of the Spanish squad!

Spain’s victory in the final against England may have been a bitter pill for the English team to swallow, but it did showcase how capable the Spanish side are. Despite facing a solid English team, Spain remained composed and stuck to their game plan. The sole goal, scored by Olga Carmona in the 29th minute, proved to be key, as Spain’s rock-solid defense held firm against England’s attacks.

Spain’s win also marked a new era for women’s soccer in Spain. The success of the national team is likely to inspire a new generation of young girls to take up the sport and follow in the footsteps of their heroes – and, already, the Spanish Football Federation has been investing heavily in the development of the sport throughout the country!