What Is 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Final

Overview

The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Final was the championship match of the 8th edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup, the quadrennial international women's football tournament. It featured the United States and the Netherlands, two of the strongest teams in women's soccer, competing for the ultimate title in front of a packed stadium and a global audience.

Hosted in France, the tournament ran from June 7 to July 7, 2019, culminating in a decisive victory for the United States. The final match not only showcased elite athleticism but also marked a turning point in visibility and support for women's sports worldwide.

• United States won 2-0 against the Netherlands, securing their fourth Women's World Cup title and setting a new record for most titles won by any nation.
• Megan Rapinoe scored both goals, including a 61st-minute penalty kick and a second goal in the 69th minute, earning her the Golden Boot as top scorer of the tournament.
• The match was held on July 7, 2019, at Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Décines-Charpieu, France, with a stadium capacity of approximately 59,186 spectators.
• Over 1 billion people watched the tournament globally, making it the most-watched Women's World Cup in history, according to FIFA estimates.
• Ellen White of England was the second-highest scorer in the tournament with six goals, just behind Rapinoe’s six (and one assist tiebreaker).

How It Works

The structure of the FIFA Women's World Cup follows a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a final match between the last two remaining teams. Each stage is designed to test endurance, strategy, and consistency across multiple high-pressure games.

• Group Stage: 24 teams were divided into six groups of four, playing round-robin matches with the top two from each group and four best third-place teams advancing.
• Knockout Format: The Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final were single-elimination matches, with extra time and penalties used if scores were tied.
• Final Match Duration: The final lasted 90 minutes of regulation, with no goals in the first half; the U.S. scored both goals in the second half.
• Penalty Kick Rules: Megan Rapinoe converted a penalty in the 61st minute after a VAR-reviewed handball by Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt.
• Player Substitutions: Each team was allowed up to three substitutions during regulation, with a fourth allowed during extra time if needed.
• Referee Oversight: The match was officiated by Brazilian referee Claudia Vasconcelos, one of FIFA’s top female referees, with VAR support from France and Germany.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2019 Women's World Cup Final teams highlights key differences in style, squad depth, and historical performance.

The United States dominated possession and shots on goal, recording 14 shots compared to the Netherlands’ 5. Their aggressive pressing and counterattacking style overwhelmed the Dutch defense, particularly after the first 30 minutes. The Netherlands, playing in their first final, showed resilience but lacked the finishing power needed to break through the U.S. backline.

Why It Matters

The 2019 final had far-reaching implications beyond the trophy, influencing gender equity in sports, media coverage, and youth participation in soccer. It became a cultural milestone as much as a sporting event.

• Record-breaking viewership demonstrated global interest in women's sports, with over 1 billion tuning in across platforms, boosting sponsorship and broadcasting deals.
• U.S. team advocacy for equal pay intensified after the win, leading to a 2022 settlement of $24 million in a gender discrimination lawsuit against U.S. Soccer.
• Megan Rapinoe’s leadership on and off the field highlighted LGBTQ+ visibility and social activism, making her a global icon beyond sports.
• Increased investment in women's leagues followed, with the NWSL seeing record attendance and expansion teams in subsequent years.
• Youth participation surged in the U.S. and Europe, with soccer registrations among girls rising by 18% in the year following the tournament.
• FIFA expanded the 2023 Women's World Cup to 32 teams, citing the 2019 final’s success as a key factor in the decision.

The 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Final was not just a game—it was a catalyst for change, proving that women's sports can captivate audiences, challenge norms, and inspire future generations worldwide.