Women's World Cup winners list: All the past winners through the years

Over the years, the Women's World Cup winners list showcases the pinnacle of excellence in women's soccer. From its inception in 1991, this esteemed list has borne witness to gripping finals, underdog triumphs, and the rise of soccer powerhouses.

The FIFA Women's World Cup is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of sports. It has provided us with unforgettable memories and iconic moments since its inception. In this article, we present the FIFA Women's World Cup winners list by year, starting from the inception of the tournament to the current year.

Who won the first Women's World Cup?

The answer to "who won the first women's World Cup" takes us back to 1991. The United States stood tall and claimed the inaugural title.

FIFA Women's World Cup Winners List from 1991

Though the statement above might be misleading (as the Women's World Cup did not start until 1991), it is important to note that the Men's World Cup has its origins dating back to 1930. The Women's World Cup has had its champions, and here is the detailed list:

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1991 – United States

• Runner up: Norway
• Third place: Sweden

In the first-ever Women's World Cup, held in China, the U.S. team showcased their prowess, beating Norway 2-1 in a thrilling final, setting the stage for their future dominance in women's soccer. This initial win set the pace for many more exciting tournaments in the following years.

1995 – Norway

• Runner up: Germany
• Third place: United States

The match took place at Råsunda Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden, on 18 June 1995. Norway took revenge for their loss in the 1991 final, securing their first World Cup title in Sweden by defeating Germany 2-0. Hege Riise and Marianne Pettersen scored the goals.

1999 – United States

• Runner up: China
• Third place: Brazil

The game showcased the giants of women's soccer. The U.S., winners of the inaugural Women's World Cup and 1996 Olympic gold, faced China, the 1996 Olympic silver medalists and 1999 Algarve Cup champions.

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Furthermore, both teams boasted iconic players, with the U.S.'s Mia Hamm taking on China's Sun Wen. Played in front of a record-breaking 90,000 spectators at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, the U.S. won in a dramatic penalty shootout against China, following a goalless draw in regular and extra time.

2003 – Germany

• Runner up: Sweden
• Third place: United States

Due to a sudden SARS outbreak in China, the U.S. quickly stepped in as the host. The final occurred at the Home Depot Center, a cosy soccer-focused Carson stadium close to Los Angeles. The final was a European affair, with Germany clinching their first title after beating Sweden 2-1 in a match that was decided in extra time.

2007 – Germany

• Runner up: Brazil
• Third place: United States

It was played on 30 September 2007 at the Hongkou Football Stadium in Shanghai, China. Germany successfully defended their title, defeating Brazil 2-0 in the final.

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Germany entered the final with a solid defence, having not let in a single goal throughout the tournament. On the other hand, Brazil, driven by their star striker Marta with seven goals, had an impressive 17-goal tally en route to the final, including a stunning four-goal victory over the U.S. in the semis.

2011 – Japan

• Runner up: United States
• Third place: Sweden

The final at Commerzbank-Arena, in Frankfurt saw a resilient Japanese side defeat the U.S. in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time. This marked the first time that a team won the World Cup, having lost a match in pool play.

This victory was emotionally significant for Japan months after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. Surprisingly, prior to the tournament, Japan nearly withdrew because of the earthquake back home, which led to the suspension and eventual cancellation of the women's league in Japan.

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2015 – United States

• Runner up: Japan
• Third place: England

In a rematch of the previous final, the U.S. displayed an exceptional performance, routing Japan 5-2 in Canada. Carli Lloyd's first-half hat-trick became one of the most memorable moments in World Cup history.

Both teams maintained an unbeaten streak in the tournament. The United States only conceded one goal in the six matches leading up to the final, while Japan won all of their matches in regular time.

2019 – United States

• Runner up: Netherlands
• Third place: Sweden

The match was played on 7 July 2019 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Décines-Charpieu, a suburb of Lyon, France. The U.S. team clinched their fourth title by overcoming a spirited Dutch side 2-0, with goals from Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle. They remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Looking back, it is evident that the United States has been a dominant force in women's soccer, having won multiple titles. The question that arises in everyone's mind is, "Who won the Women's World Cup 2019?" It was none other than the United States, making them the team to beat!

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2023 – Spain

• Runner up: England
• Third place: Sweden

With Olga Carmona's decisive goal in the 29th minute, Spain clinched its maiden World Cup championship. This victory positioned Spain alongside the U.S., Germany, Norway, and Japan in the echelons of World Cup glory. Remarkably, La Roja achieved a treble, having clinched the Under-20 and U-18 World Cup titles just a year prior.

Until August 20, 2023, Spain's women had never savoured World Cup gold at the senior level. Their journey to the finals was a maiden voyage, marking just their third World Cup venture. Their previous best was reaching the round of 16 in 2019, but the recent feats of their youth squads indicate a promising trend of competing in the World Cup finals.

What countries have won the Women's World Cup?

The FIFA Women's World Cup all-winners list includes the United States, Norway, Germany, Japan and Spain. Spain stands as the reigning champion, while the U.S. is the most successful in the tournament, with four titles.

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Germany has secured two, while Japan, Norway, and Spain each have one. Here is a FIFA Women's World Cup Winners list by year.

When was the first Women's World Cup?

The inaugural Women's World Cup was in 1991. The competition has been held every four years and one year after the men's FIFA World Cup since 1991.

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The Women's World Cup has showcased immense talent, resilience, and sportsmanship over the years. As fans, we eagerly await the outcome of the Women's World Cup 2023 and the next name on the FIFA Women's World Cup winners list.

READ ALSO: 1930 World Cup: When was the first World Cup played, and who won it?

Sports Brief published an article about when was the first World Cup played and who won it. Football started in time immemorial; however, the most famous tournament in football started in 1930. The tournament was set to involve representative national teams from different parts of the world.

The football governing body, FIFA, made this competition to mark the start of the newly made football constitution. The 1930 World Cup host nation was Uruguay. Click on the above link to read more!