Who won the first Women's World Cup?
Quick answer
The United States won the first FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in China in November 1991. They beat Norway 2–1 in the final in Guangzhou, with both goals scored by Michelle Akers, who was also the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. Twelve teams took part.
Key facts
- Year and host
- 1991, China
- Winner
- United States
- Final
- USA 2–1 Norway (November 30, 1991)
- Top scorer
- Michelle Akers, 10 goals
A cautious start
FIFA wasn’t sure the tournament would succeed, so it called it the “1st FIFA World Championship for Women’s Football for the M&M’s Cup” rather than using the World Cup name, which was applied later. Matches lasted only 80 minutes instead of the standard 90.
The US team’s “Triple-Edged Sword”
The US attack was led by Michelle Akers, Carin Jennings and April Heinrichs. Jennings won the Golden Ball as the best player.
Every Women’s World Cup winner
| Year | Host | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | China | United States |
| 1995 | Sweden | Norway |
| 1999 | United States | United States |
| 2003 | United States | Germany |
| 2007 | China | Germany |
| 2011 | Germany | Japan |
| 2015 | Canada | United States |
| 2019 | France | United States |
| 2023 | Australia & New Zealand | Spain |
The United States has won the most titles, four. The next tournament is scheduled for Brazil in 2027, the first in South America.
The 1999 final
The 1999 final, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, drew more than 90,000 spectators, then a record for a women’s sports event. The US beat China on penalties, and Brandi Chastain’s winning kick became an iconic moment.
Growth of the women’s game
The 2023 tournament expanded to 32 teams and drew nearly two million spectators. Spain’s win made it only the second country, after Germany, to have won both the men’s and women’s World Cups; Spain added a second men’s title in 2026. See who won the 2022 World Cup and who won the first men’s World Cup.
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