FIFA Women's World Cup
Encyclopedia
The FIFA Women's World Cup is an international association football competition contested by the senior women's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA
), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1991. Japan won the 2011 tournament in a penalty shootout.
The current format of the tournament involves 16 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about three weeks;– this phase is often called the World Cup Finals. A qualification phase
, which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s).
The FIFA Women's World Cup is recognized as the most important International
competition in women's football
and is played amongst women's national football teams of the member states of FIFA
, the sport's global governing body. The first Women's World Cup tournament, named the Women's World Championship, was held in 1991, sixty-one years after the men's first FIFA World Cup
tournament in 1930. The six World Cup tournaments have been won by four different national teams.
The next World Cup will be hosted by Canada
in 2015
.
. The inaugural tournament was hosted in China
in 1991, with twelve teams sent to represent their countries. The 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup was held in Sweden
with twelve teams. Over 660,000 spectators attended the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup in the United States
.
The United States
and Germany
have won the championship twice, and Norway
and Japan
once each.
In the 1999 edition, one of the most famous moments of the tournament was American defender Brandi Chastain
's victory celebration after scoring the Cup-winning penalty kick
against China
. She took off her jersey and waved it over her head (as men frequently do), showing her muscular torso and sports bra as she celebrated. The 1999 final in the Rose Bowl
in Pasadena, California
had an attendance of 90,185, a world record for a women's sporting event.
The 1999 and 2003 Women's World Cups were both held in the United States; in 2003 China was supposed to host it, but the tournament was moved because of SARS. As compensation, China retained its automatic qualification to the 2003 tournament as host nation, and was automatically chosen to host the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. Germany
hosted the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, as decided by vote in October 2007. In March 2011, FIFA awarded Canada
the right to host the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
. The 2015 edition will see the field expand from 16 to 24 teams.
At the 2007 World Cup in China, U.S. captain Kristine Lilly
competed in her fifth (and ultimately final) World Cup, making her the first woman and at the time one of three players in history to appear in five World Cups.
, Europe (UEFA)
, North America, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF)
, South America (CONMEBOL)
, Asia (AFC)
and Africa (CAF)
. The qualification process can start as early as almost three years before the final tournament and last over a two-year period. The formats of the qualification tournaments differ between confederations. Usually, one or two places are awarded to winners of intercontinental play-offs.
The competition takes place over the course of three weeks. In the group stage, 16 teams seeded into four groups (A,B,C, and D) compete against each other in a round-robin tournament. After Germany trounced Argentina 11–0 in the opening game of the 2007 World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter conceded that the one-sided match was "not good for the game" and was something that FIFA would consider in deciding whether or not to expand the group phase to 24 teams. On 3 December 2009, FIFA decided to expand the women's World Cup to 24 teams for 2015.
In the knockout phase, the top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, a single-elimination tournament
in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts
used to decide the winner if necessary. The winner of Group A plays the runner-up of Group B, The winner of Group B plays the runner-up of Group A, etc.
The winners of the four quarterfinal games move on to the semifinal matches, which determine the contestants for the championship game. The losing semifinalists compete to determine third place.
In the group stage, teams compete within four groups of four teams each. In the group stage, 16 teams seeded into four groups (A,B,C, and D) compete against each other in a round-robin tournament. After Germany trounced Argentina 11–0 in the opening game of the 2007 World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter conceded that the one-sided match was "not good for the game" and was something that FIFA would consider in deciding whether or not to expand the group phase to 24 teams. On 3 December 2009, FIFA decided to expand the women's World Cup to 24 teams for 2015.
Each group plays a round-robin tournament
, in which each team is scheduled for three matches against other teams in the same group. The last round of matches of each group is scheduled at the same time to preserve fairness among all four teams.The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Points are used to rank the teams within a group. Since 1994
, three points have been awarded for a win
, one for a draw and none for a loss (before, winners received two points).
The ranking of each team in each group is determined as follows:
The knockout stage is a single-elimination tournament
in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts used to decide the winner if necessary. It begins with the round of 8 (or the second round) in which the winner of each group plays against the runner-up of another group. This is followed by the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, the third-place match
(contested by the losing semi-finalists), and the final.
No extra time was played.
13 goals Abby Wambach
12 goals Michelle Akers
11 goals Sun Wen Bettina Wiegmann
10 goals Ann Kristin Aarønes Heidi Mohr
9 goals Linda Medalen
Hege Riise
8 goals Kerstin Garefrekes
Mia Hamm
Kristine Lilly
Liu Ailing
Marianne Pettersen
Homare Sawa
7 goals Cristiane
Tiffeny Milbrett Christine Sinclair
Sissi
* Did not play but was part of the squad.
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
), the sport's global governing body. The championship has been awarded every four years since the inaugural tournament in 1991. Japan won the 2011 tournament in a penalty shootout.
The current format of the tournament involves 16 teams competing for the title at venues within the host nation(s) over a period of about three weeks;– this phase is often called the World Cup Finals. A qualification phase
FIFA World Cup qualification
The FIFA World Cup qualification is the process that a national association football team goes through to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Finals. The FIFA World Cup is a global event, so qualification is required to reduce the large field of participants from about 200 to 32.Qualifying tournaments...
, which currently takes place over the preceding three years, is used to determine which teams qualify for the tournament together with the host nation(s).
The FIFA Women's World Cup is recognized as the most important International
International
----International mostly means something that involves more than one country. The term international as a word means involvement of, interaction between or encompassing more than one nation, or generally beyond national boundaries...
competition in women's football
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
and is played amongst women's national football teams of the member states of FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
, the sport's global governing body. The first Women's World Cup tournament, named the Women's World Championship, was held in 1991, sixty-one years after the men's first FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
tournament in 1930. The six World Cup tournaments have been won by four different national teams.
The next World Cup will be hosted by Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
in 2015
2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup will be the seventh FIFA Women's World Cup, the quadrennial international women's football world championship tournament...
.
History
The tournament was originally the brainchild of the then FIFA president João HavelangeJoão Havelange
Jean-Marie Faustin Goedefroid de Havelange , more commonly known as João Havelange , was the 7th President of FIFA, serving from 1974 to 1998. He received the title of Honorary President when leaving office. He succeeded Sir Stanley Rous and was succeeded by Joseph Blatter...
. The inaugural tournament was hosted in China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
in 1991, with twelve teams sent to represent their countries. The 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup was held in Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
with twelve teams. Over 660,000 spectators attended the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
The United States
United States women's national soccer team
The United States women's national soccer team represents the United States in international soccer competition and is controlled by U.S. Soccer. The U.S. team won the first ever Women's World Cup in 1991, and has since been a superpower in women's soccer. It is currently ranked first in the world...
and Germany
Germany women's national football team
The German women's national football team represents Germany in international women's football and is directed by the German Football Association . The team – informally called West Germany in English – played its first international match in 1982...
have won the championship twice, and Norway
Norway women's national football team
The Norway women's national football team represents Norway in international women's football. The team, controlled by the Football Association of Norway, are former European, World and Olympic champions and thus one of the most successful national teams...
and Japan
Japan women's national football team
The Japan women's national football team, or Nadeshiko Japan , is a selection of the best female players in Japan and is run by the Japan Football Association . Japan defeated the U.S...
once each.
Brandi Chastain
Brandi Denise Chastain is a professional American soccer defender and midfielder who plays for the team California Storm of Women's Premier Soccer League and is a former member of the United States women's national soccer team....
's victory celebration after scoring the Cup-winning penalty kick
Penalty shootout (football)
A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game...
against China
China women's national football team
The China women's national football team represents the People's Republic of China in international women's football.- Records :China had held the record of going for 442 minutes without conceding a World Cup goal, until it was broken by Germany on September 26, 2007, when Germany beat Norway 3-0...
. She took off her jersey and waved it over her head (as men frequently do), showing her muscular torso and sports bra as she celebrated. The 1999 final in the Rose Bowl
Rose Bowl (stadium)
The Rose Bowl is an outdoor athletic stadium in Pasadena, California, U.S., in Los Angeles County. The stadium is the site of the annual college football bowl game, the Rose Bowl, held on New Year's Day. In 1982, it became the home field of the UCLA Bruins college football team of the Pac-12...
in Pasadena, California
Pasadena, California
Pasadena is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Although famous for hosting the annual Rose Bowl football game and Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena is the home to many scientific and cultural institutions, including the California Institute of Technology , the Jet...
had an attendance of 90,185, a world record for a women's sporting event.
The 1999 and 2003 Women's World Cups were both held in the United States; in 2003 China was supposed to host it, but the tournament was moved because of SARS. As compensation, China retained its automatic qualification to the 2003 tournament as host nation, and was automatically chosen to host the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup. Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
hosted the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, as decided by vote in October 2007. In March 2011, FIFA awarded Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
the right to host the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
2015 FIFA Women's World Cup
The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup will be the seventh FIFA Women's World Cup, the quadrennial international women's football world championship tournament...
. The 2015 edition will see the field expand from 16 to 24 teams.
At the 2007 World Cup in China, U.S. captain Kristine Lilly
Kristine Lilly
Kristine Marie Lilly Heavey is a retired American soccer player who last played for Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and was a member of the United States women's national soccer team for 24 years...
competed in her fifth (and ultimately final) World Cup, making her the first woman and at the time one of three players in history to appear in five World Cups.
Qualification
The participants qualify through the regional football confederations of Oceania (OFC)Oceania Football Confederation
The Oceania Football Confederation is one of the six continental confederations of international association football, consisting of Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and island nations such as Tonga, Fiji and other Pacific Island countries...
, Europe (UEFA)
UEFA
The Union of European Football Associations , almost always referred to by its acronym UEFA is the administrative and controlling body for European association football, futsal and beach soccer....
, North America, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF)
CONCACAF
The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football is the continental governing body for association football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean...
, South America (CONMEBOL)
CONMEBOL
The South American Football Confederation , commonly known as CONMEBOL , is the continental governing body of association football in South America and it is one of FIFA's six continental confederations...
, Asia (AFC)
Asian Football Confederation
The Asian Football Confederation is the governing body of association football in Asia. It has 46 member countries, mostly located on the Asian continent. However, due to the disputed boundary of Europe and Asia, nations such as Russia and Turkey which are located mostly in geographic Asia are...
and Africa (CAF)
Confederation of African Football
The Confederation of African Football is the administrative and controlling body for African association football.CAF represents the national football associations of Africa, runs continental, national, and club competitions, and controls the prize money, regulations and media rights to those...
. The qualification process can start as early as almost three years before the final tournament and last over a two-year period. The formats of the qualification tournaments differ between confederations. Usually, one or two places are awarded to winners of intercontinental play-offs.
The competition takes place over the course of three weeks. In the group stage, 16 teams seeded into four groups (A,B,C, and D) compete against each other in a round-robin tournament. After Germany trounced Argentina 11–0 in the opening game of the 2007 World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter conceded that the one-sided match was "not good for the game" and was something that FIFA would consider in deciding whether or not to expand the group phase to 24 teams. On 3 December 2009, FIFA decided to expand the women's World Cup to 24 teams for 2015.
In the knockout phase, the top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals, a single-elimination tournament
Single-elimination tournament
A single-elimination tournament, also called a knockout, cup or sudden death tournament, is a type of elimination tournament where the loser of each match or bracket is immediately eliminated from winning the championship or first prize in the event...
in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts
Penalty shootout (football)
A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game...
used to decide the winner if necessary. The winner of Group A plays the runner-up of Group B, The winner of Group B plays the runner-up of Group A, etc.
The winners of the four quarterfinal games move on to the semifinal matches, which determine the contestants for the championship game. The losing semifinalists compete to determine third place.
Final tournament
The current final tournament features 16 national teams competing over about three weeks in the host nation(s). There are two stages: the group stage followed by the knockout stage.In the group stage, teams compete within four groups of four teams each. In the group stage, 16 teams seeded into four groups (A,B,C, and D) compete against each other in a round-robin tournament. After Germany trounced Argentina 11–0 in the opening game of the 2007 World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter conceded that the one-sided match was "not good for the game" and was something that FIFA would consider in deciding whether or not to expand the group phase to 24 teams. On 3 December 2009, FIFA decided to expand the women's World Cup to 24 teams for 2015.
Each group plays a round-robin tournament
Round-robin tournament
A round-robin tournament is a competition "in which each contestant meets all other contestants in turn".-Terminology:...
, in which each team is scheduled for three matches against other teams in the same group. The last round of matches of each group is scheduled at the same time to preserve fairness among all four teams.The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Points are used to rank the teams within a group. Since 1994
1994 FIFA World Cup
The 1994 FIFA World Cup, the 15th staging of the FIFA World Cup, was held in nine cities across the United States from June 17 to July 17, 1994. The United States was chosen as the host by FIFA on July 4, 1988...
, three points have been awarded for a win
Three points for a win
Three points for a win is a standard used in many sports leagues and group tournaments, especially in association football, in which three points are awarded to the team winning a match, with no points to the losing team. If the game is drawn, each team receives one point...
, one for a draw and none for a loss (before, winners received two points).
The ranking of each team in each group is determined as follows:
- Greatest number of points in group matches
- Greatest goal difference in group matches
- Greatest number of goals scored in group matches
- If more than one team remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined as follows:
- Greatest number of points in head-to-head matches among those teams
- Greatest goal difference in head-to-head matches among those teams
- Greatest number of goals scored in head-to-head matches among those teams
- If any of the teams above remain level after applying the above criteria, their ranking will be determined by the drawing of lots
The knockout stage is a single-elimination tournament
Single-elimination tournament
A single-elimination tournament, also called a knockout, cup or sudden death tournament, is a type of elimination tournament where the loser of each match or bracket is immediately eliminated from winning the championship or first prize in the event...
in which teams play each other in one-off matches, with extra time and penalty shootouts used to decide the winner if necessary. It begins with the round of 8 (or the second round) in which the winner of each group plays against the runner-up of another group. This is followed by the quarter-finals, the semi-finals, the third-place match
Third place playoff
The third place playoff is a single match that is included in many sporting knockout tournaments to decide which competitor or team will be credited with finishing third and fourth. The teams that compete in the third place playoffs are usually the two losing semi-finalists in a particular...
(contested by the losing semi-finalists), and the final.
Results
| Year | Host | Champions | Score | Runners-up | Third Place | Score | Fourth Place | Number of teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Details |
 Mainland China |
2–1 | 4–0 | 12 | ||||
| 1995 Details |
 Sweden |
2–0 | 2–0 | 12 | ||||
| 1999 Details |
 United States |
0–0 asdet Golden goal The golden goal is a method used in association football, field hockey, ice hockey and korfball to decide the winner of games in elimination matches which end in a draw after the end of regulation time. It is a type of sudden death. Golden goal rules allow the team that scores the first goal during... (5–4 pso Penalty shootout (football) A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game... ) |
0–0 (5–4 pso Penalty shootout (football) A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game... ) |
16 | ||||
| 2003 Details |
United States |
2–1 asdet Golden goal The golden goal is a method used in association football, field hockey, ice hockey and korfball to decide the winner of games in elimination matches which end in a draw after the end of regulation time. It is a type of sudden death. Golden goal rules allow the team that scores the first goal during... |
3–1 | 16 | ||||
| 2007 Details |
Mainland China |
2–0 | 4–1 | 16 | ||||
| 2011 Details |
 Germany |
2–2 a.e.t. (3–1 pso Penalty shootout (football) A penalty shoot-out, referred to as kicks from the penalty mark in the Laws of the Game, is the FIFA official term for a method used in association football to decide which team progresses to the next stage of a tournament following a tied game... ) |
2–1 | 16 | ||||
| 2015 Details 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup will be the seventh FIFA Women's World Cup, the quadrennial international women's football world championship tournament... |
 Canada |
24 |
No extra time was played.
- Key:
- a.e.t. — after extra time
- asdet — after golden goalGolden goalThe golden goal is a method used in association football, field hockey, ice hockey and korfball to decide the winner of games in elimination matches which end in a draw after the end of regulation time. It is a type of sudden death. Golden goal rules allow the team that scores the first goal during...
(sudden death) extra time - pso — penalty shootout
All-time performance
| # | Team | Titles | Runners-up | Third-place | Fourth-place |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 (1991, 1999) | 1 (2011) | 3 (1995, 2003, 2007) | – | |
| 2 | 2 (2003, 2007) | 1 (1995) | – | 1 (1991) | |
| 3 | 1 (1995) | 1 (1991) | – | 2 (1999, 2007) | |
| 4 | 1 (2011) | – | – | – | |
| 5 | – | 1 (2003) | 2 (1991, 2011) | – | |
| 6 | – | 1 (2007) | 1 (1999) | – | |
| 7 | – | 1 (1999) | – | 1 (1995) | |
| 8 | – | – | – | 1 (2003) | |
| – | – | – | 1 (2011) |
Golden Ball
| World Cup | Golden Ball | Silver Ball | Bronze Ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 China | Carin Jennings |
Michelle Akers Michelle Akers Michelle Akers is a former leading American association football player, who starred in the historic 1991 and 1999 Women's World Cup victory by the U.S.. She won the Golden Boot as the top scorer in the 1991 tournament... |
 Linda MedalenLinda Medalen Linda Medalen is a former Norwegian footballer.She was one of Norway's most celebrated women footballers, finishing her international career with 152 caps, scoring 64 goals. She was on the Norwegian team that won the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup.She played most of her career in Norway with Asker... |
| 1995 Sweden | Hege Riise Hege Riise Hege Riise is a female footballer from Norway.-Club career:Riise started playing football at age 6 and played in a boys' team until age 14.... |
Gro Espeseth Gro Espeseth Gro Espeseth is a former Norwegian footballer, world champion and olympic champion.She played for the clubs Sandviken and Trondheims-Ørn, debuted for the Norwegian national team in 1991, and played 105 matches for the national team.She received a bronze medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in... |
Ann Kristin Aarønes |
| 1999 USA | Sun Wen |
 SissiSissi (footballer) Sisleide do Amor Lima , commonly known as Sissi, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a former member of the Brazil women's national football team.Sissi won the golden boot award in the 1999 Women's World Cup in... |
United States Michelle Akers Michelle Akers Michelle Akers is a former leading American association football player, who starred in the historic 1991 and 1999 Women's World Cup victory by the U.S.. She won the Golden Boot as the top scorer in the 1991 tournament... |
| 2003 USA | Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz is a former German female professional association football player. She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team. Prinz is one of the game's most prolific strikers and the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals . She has been named FIFA... |
Victoria Svensson |
Germany Maren Meinert Maren Meinert Maren Meinert is a retired German football midfielder/striker and currently the coach for the German U-20 Women's squad... |
| 2007 China | Brazil Marta |
Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz is a former German female professional association football player. She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team. Prinz is one of the game's most prolific strikers and the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals . She has been named FIFA... |
Brazil Cristiane |
| 2011 Germany |  Japan Homare SawaHomare Sawa is a female football player from Japan. She currently plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa in the Nadeshiko League Division 1.- Career :Long considered Japan's finest female footballer, she made her debut in Japan's highest domestic league at age 12. On December 6, 1993, at age 15, she made her Japanese... |
United States Abby Wambach Abby Wambach Mary Abigail "Abby" Wambach is an American professional soccer player, coach and Olympic gold medalist. A four-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, she has been a regular on the U.S. women's national team since 2003... |
United States Hope Solo Hope Solo Hope Amelia Solo is an American association football goalkeeper. She became a free agent after Women's Professional Soccer terminated the magicJack franchise for which she played in the 2011 season. Solo is the current starting goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer... |
Golden Shoe
| World Cup | Golden Shoe | Goals | Silver Shoe | Goals | Bronze Shoe | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 China | United States Michelle Akers Michelle Akers Michelle Akers is a former leading American association football player, who starred in the historic 1991 and 1999 Women's World Cup victory by the U.S.. She won the Golden Boot as the top scorer in the 1991 tournament... |
10 | Germany Heidi Mohr Heidi Mohr Heidi Mohr is a former German footballer. As a footballer she was renowned for her speed and her ability to shoot with both feet. In 1999 she was voted Europe's Footballer of the Century.-Club career:... |
7 | Norway Linda Medalen Linda Medalen Linda Medalen is a former Norwegian footballer.She was one of Norway's most celebrated women footballers, finishing her international career with 152 caps, scoring 64 goals. She was on the Norwegian team that won the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup.She played most of her career in Norway with Asker... United States Carin Jennings |
6 |
| 1995 Sweden | Norway Ann-Kristin Aarønes Ann-Kristin Aarønes Ann Kristin "Anka" Aarønes is a retired Norwegian footballer.She first played for Spjelkavik IL, then for Trondheims-Ørn and the Norwegian national team. Later she played for the WUSA's New York Power, during the first season.Aarønes played 111 international matches for Norway between 1990 and... |
6 | Norway Hege Riise Hege Riise Hege Riise is a female footballer from Norway.-Club career:Riise started playing football at age 6 and played in a boys' team until age 14.... |
5 |  People's Republic of China Shi GuihongShi Guihong Shi Guihong is a female Chinese football player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics.In 1996 she won the silver medal with the Chinese team. She played all five matches and scored two goals.-External links:*... |
3 |
| 1999 United States | People's Republic of China Sun Wen Brazil Sissi Sissi (footballer) Sisleide do Amor Lima , commonly known as Sissi, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a former member of the Brazil women's national football team.Sissi won the golden boot award in the 1999 Women's World Cup in... |
7 | Norway Ann-Kristin Aarønes Ann-Kristin Aarønes Ann Kristin "Anka" Aarønes is a retired Norwegian footballer.She first played for Spjelkavik IL, then for Trondheims-Ørn and the Norwegian national team. Later she played for the WUSA's New York Power, during the first season.Aarønes played 111 international matches for Norway between 1990 and... |
4 | ||
| 2003 United States | Germany Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz is a former German female professional association football player. She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team. Prinz is one of the game's most prolific strikers and the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals . She has been named FIFA... |
7 | Germany Maren Meinert Maren Meinert Maren Meinert is a retired German football midfielder/striker and currently the coach for the German U-20 Women's squad... |
4 | Brazil Kátia Katia Katia is a feminine given name. It is a variant of Katya. Katia may refer to the following people:In music:*Katia and Marielle Labèque, famous piano duo*Katia Ricciarelli, Italian sopranoIn modelling:*Katia Corriveau, Canadian model... |
4 |
| 2007 China | Brazil Marta |
7 | United States Abby Wambach Abby Wambach Mary Abigail "Abby" Wambach is an American professional soccer player, coach and Olympic gold medalist. A four-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, she has been a regular on the U.S. women's national team since 2003... |
6 | Norway Ragnhild Gulbrandsen Ragnhild Gulbrandsen Ragnhild Gulbrandsen is a Norwegian football striker from the city of Trondheim who retired from football at the end of 2007... |
6 |
| 2011 Germany | Japan Homare Sawa Homare Sawa is a female football player from Japan. She currently plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa in the Nadeshiko League Division 1.- Career :Long considered Japan's finest female footballer, she made her debut in Japan's highest domestic league at age 12. On December 6, 1993, at age 15, she made her Japanese... |
5 | Brazil Marta |
4 | United States Abby Wambach Abby Wambach Mary Abigail "Abby" Wambach is an American professional soccer player, coach and Olympic gold medalist. A four-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, she has been a regular on the U.S. women's national team since 2003... |
4 |
Golden Glove
| World Cup | Golden Glove Award |
|---|---|
| 2003 USA | Silke Rottenberg Silke Rottenberg Silke Rottenberg is a former German football goalkeeper.-Career:She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt. She announced her retirement from the German national team on May 27, 2008. After the game Germany versus Wales on May 29, 2008, she formally retired from international football... |
| 2007 China | Nadine Angerer |
| 2011 Germany | Hope Solo Hope Solo Hope Amelia Solo is an American association football goalkeeper. She became a free agent after Women's Professional Soccer terminated the magicJack franchise for which she played in the 2011 season. Solo is the current starting goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer... |
Most Entertaining Team Award
| World Cup | Most Entertaining Team Award |
|---|---|
| 2003 USA | Germany Germany women's national football team The German women's national football team represents Germany in international women's football and is directed by the German Football Association . The team – informally called West Germany in English – played its first international match in 1982... |
| 2007 China | Brazil Brazil women's national football team The Brazil women's national football team represents Brazil in international women's association football. Brazil played their first game on July 22, 1986 against the United States.... |
Fair Play Award
| World Cup | Fair Play Team Award |
|---|---|
| 1991 China | Germany Germany women's national football team The German women's national football team represents Germany in international women's football and is directed by the German Football Association . The team – informally called West Germany in English – played its first international match in 1982... |
| 1995 Sweden | Sweden Sweden women's national football team Sweden women's national football team are a football team officially representing Sweden in women's football. They won the unofficial European Championships in 1984, a success the team has not managed to repeat, it has however won one World Cup-silver as well as three European Cup-silvers... |
| 1999 USA | China China women's national football team The China women's national football team represents the People's Republic of China in international women's football.- Records :China had held the record of going for 442 minutes without conceding a World Cup goal, until it was broken by Germany on September 26, 2007, when Germany beat Norway 3-0... |
| 2003 USA | China China women's national football team The China women's national football team represents the People's Republic of China in international women's football.- Records :China had held the record of going for 442 minutes without conceding a World Cup goal, until it was broken by Germany on September 26, 2007, when Germany beat Norway 3-0... |
| 2007 China | Norway Norway women's national football team The Norway women's national football team represents Norway in international women's football. The team, controlled by the Football Association of Norway, are former European, World and Olympic champions and thus one of the most successful national teams... |
| 2011 Germany | Japan Japan women's national football team The Japan women's national football team, or Nadeshiko Japan , is a selection of the best female players in Japan and is run by the Japan Football Association . Japan defeated the U.S... |
All-Star Team
| World Cup | Goalkeepers | Defenders | Midfielders | Forwards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 United States | Gao Hong Gao Hong (footballer) Gao Hong is a female Chinese football player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics and in the 2000 Summer Olympics.In 1996 she won the silver medal with the Chinese team. She played all five matches as goalkeeper.... Briana ScurryBriana Scurry Briana Colette Scurry is a retired American soccer goalkeeper. Scurry was the starting goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer team at the 1995 World Cup , 1996 Olympics , 1999 World Cup , 2003 World Cup , 2004 Olympics and 2007 World Cup... |
Wang Liping Wang Liping (footballer) Wang Liping is a female Chinese football player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics, in the 2000 Summer Olympics, and in the 2004 Summer Olympics.In 1996 she won the silver medal with the Chinese team. She played all five matches.... Wen LirongWen Lirong Wen Lirong is a female Chinese football player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics and in the 2000 Summer Olympics.In 1996 she won the silver medal with the Chinese team. She played four matches, but missed the final after being sent off in the semifinal.Four years later she was a member of... Doris Fitschen Brandi ChastainBrandi Chastain Brandi Denise Chastain is a professional American soccer defender and midfielder who plays for the team California Storm of Women's Premier Soccer League and is a former member of the United States women's national soccer team.... Carla Overbeck |
Sissi Sissi (footballer) Sisleide do Amor Lima , commonly known as Sissi, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a former member of the Brazil women's national football team.Sissi won the golden boot award in the 1999 Women's World Cup in... Liu AilingLiu Ailing Liu Ailing is a female Chinese football player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics and in the 2000 Summer Olympics.In 1996 she won the silver medal with the Chinese team. She played all five matches and scored one goal.... Zhao LihongZhao Lihong Zhao Lihong is a female Chinese football player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics and in the 2000 Summer Olympics.In 1996 she won the silver medal with the Chinese team. She played all five matches and scored one goal.... Bettina WiegmannBettina Wiegmann Bettina Wiegmann is a retired German football midfielder. She scored 51 goals in 154 caps for the German national team between 1989 and 2003. In 1997 she was selected German Female Footballer of the Year.... Michelle AkersMichelle Akers Michelle Akers is a former leading American association football player, who starred in the historic 1991 and 1999 Women's World Cup victory by the U.S.. She won the Golden Boot as the top scorer in the 1991 tournament... |
Jin Yan Sun Wen Sun Wen (football) Sun Wen is a retired well-known female Chinese football player.Sun appeared in the national squad at the age of 17 . A strong striker with great skills and passing abilities, Sun won both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball for the 1999 Women's World Cup, and became the first woman to be... Ann Kristin Aarønes Mia HammMia Hamm Mariel Margaret "Mia" Hamm is a retired American soccer player. Hamm played many years as a forward for the United States women's national soccer team and was a founding member of the Washington Freedom. Hamm has scored more international goals in her career than any other player, male or female,... |
| 2003 United States | Germany Silke Rottenberg Silke Rottenberg Silke Rottenberg is a former German football goalkeeper.-Career:She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt. She announced her retirement from the German national team on May 27, 2008. After the game Germany versus Wales on May 29, 2008, she formally retired from international football... |
People's Republic of China Wang Liping Wang Liping (footballer) Wang Liping is a female Chinese football player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics, in the 2000 Summer Olympics, and in the 2004 Summer Olympics.In 1996 she won the silver medal with the Chinese team. She played all five matches.... Germany Sandra MinnertSandra Minnert Sandra Minnert is a former German football defender. She played for SC 07 Bad Neuenahr and the German national team.-Coaching career:... United States Joy Fawcett |
Germany Bettina Wiegmann Bettina Wiegmann Bettina Wiegmann is a retired German football midfielder. She scored 51 goals in 154 caps for the German national team between 1989 and 2003. In 1997 she was selected German Female Footballer of the Year.... Sweden Malin MoströmMalin Moström Malin Sofi Moström is a Swedish former football player , from 2001 to 2006 she was the captain of the Sweden women's national football team... United States Shannon BoxxShannon Boxx Shannon Boxx is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for magicJack of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.... |
Canada Charmaine Hooper Charmaine Hooper Charmaine Hooper is a former striker for the Canadian women's national soccer team.-Career:A former star at North Carolina State University, she currently plays for the * of the Women's Premier Soccer League. In 2006 she played for the New Jersey Wildcats in the American W-League... Germany Maren MeinertMaren Meinert Maren Meinert is a retired German football midfielder/striker and currently the coach for the German U-20 Women's squad... Germany Birgit PrinzBirgit Prinz Birgit Prinz is a former German female professional association football player. She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team. Prinz is one of the game's most prolific strikers and the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals . She has been named FIFA... Sweden Victoria SvenssonVictoria Svensson Victoria Margareta Sandell Svensson is a former Swedish female football player. She was team captain on the Swedish women's national team and Djurgårdens IF Dam; captaining the national team during the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup... |
| 2007 China | Nadine Angerer Bente Nordby Bente Nordby Bente Nordby is a former Norwegian football goalkeeper, who last played for Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon, France. She played with the Norwegian Women's National Football Team from 1991 to 2007.- Career :... |
Ariane Hingst Ariane Hingst Ariane Hingst is a German footballer. Primarily utilized as a defender or a defensive holding, midfielder Hingst announced this summer that she would be retiring from international football with the German national team. In addition it was announced by 1... Li JieLi Jie (footballer) Li Jie is a female Chinese football player who competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics.In 2004 she finished ninth with the Chinese team in the women's tournament. She played both matches.-External links:*... Ane Stangeland HorpestadAne Stangeland Horpestad Ane Stangeland Horpestad as Ane Stangeland, is a woman footballer from South-West Norway who has captained the Norwegian national team for three seasons and plays for Klepp in the top Norwegian league, the Toppserien, as a central defender. She is from the seaside village of Orre and lives in the... Kerstin StegemannKerstin Stegemann Kerstin Stegemann is a former female football player from Germany.Born in Rheine-Mesum, she made her football debut at age 15 in 1993, playing for FFC Heike Rheine in the Frauen Bundesliga. Within two years, she made her first appearance for the German national team, playing in an April 13, 1995... |
Daniela Daniela Alves Lima Daniela Alves Lima , commonly known as Daniela, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for Saint Louis Athletica of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Daniela begun her career at the age of 13, at Portuguesa de... FormigaMiraildes Maciel Mota Miraildes Maciel Mota , commonly known as Formiga , is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Formiga was acquired by FC Gold Pride in the 2008 WPS...  Kelly SmithKelly Smith Kelly Jayne Smith, MBE is an English football forward currently playing for Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the England women's national football team.-Youth and university:... Renate LingorRenate Lingor Renate Lingor is a retired female German international football player.-Club career:Lingor began her career in 1981 with SV Blankenloch at the age of six, in 1983 she joined the youth team of Karlsruher SC. Aged 14 she signed with SC Klinge Seckach where she started her professional career in... Ingvild StenslandIngvild Stensland Ingvild Stensland is a Norwegian football player who plays for Stabæk Fotball in the Toppserien. She plays as a midfielder and is currently a member of the Norway women's national team having made her debut in 2003... Kristine LillyKristine Lilly Kristine Marie Lilly Heavey is a retired American soccer player who last played for Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and was a member of the United States women's national soccer team for 24 years... |
 Lisa De VannaLisa De Vanna Lisa Marie De Vanna is an Australian football forward currently playing for Newcastle Jets in the W-League in Australia and is a member of the Australian National Team.-Early years & playing style:... Marta CristianeCristiane Rozeira de Souza Silva Cristiane Rozeira de Souza Silva , better known as Cristiane, is a Brazilian association football player... Birgit PrinzBirgit Prinz Birgit Prinz is a former German female professional association football player. She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team. Prinz is one of the game's most prolific strikers and the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals . She has been named FIFA... |
| 2011 Germany | Hope Solo Hope Solo Hope Amelia Solo is an American association football goalkeeper. She became a free agent after Women's Professional Soccer terminated the magicJack franchise for which she played in the 2011 season. Solo is the current starting goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer... Ayumi KaihoriAyumi Kaihori is a Japanese international footballer. A goalkeeper, she currently plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa.. She was also the starting goalkeeper for Japan in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final, tallying 5 wins and 1 loss... |
Elise Kellond-Knight Elise Kellond-Knight Elise Kellond-Knight is an Australian football player, who currently plays for Fortuna Hjørring in the Danish Elitedivisionen and the Australian national team.... ErikaÉrika Cristiano dos Santos Érika Cristiano dos Santos , commonly known as Érika, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a defender for Santos and the Brazilian Women's National Team.... Alex Scott  Sonia BompastorSonia Bompastor Sonia Bompastor is a French football player who currently plays for French club Lyon of the Division 1 Féminine. She primarily plays in the midfield position, preferably on the left side. Bompastor can also play in the left back position... Laura GeorgesLaura Georges Laura Stéphanie Georges is a French football player who plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais of the Division 1 Féminine. She serves as the first-choice captain of her club and plays primarily as a central defender, but can also be utilized as a defensive midfielder... Saskia BartusiakSaskia Bartusiak Saskia Bartusiak is a German footballer. She plays in a centre back position for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team.- Club :... |
Jill Scott Jill Scott (footballer) Jill Louise Scott is an English female footballer. She is a central midfielder, currently playing for Everton and England women...  Genoveva AñonmaGenoveva Añonma Genoveva Añonma is an Equatoguinean footballer who plays as a midfielder. She played in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, scoring Equatorial Guinea's only 2 goals in the tournament. She was included in the All-Star Team, becoming the first African player to earn this distinction.Añonma played in... Louisa NecibLouisa Necib Louisa Nécib is a French football player who plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais of the Division 1 Féminine. She plays as a central attacking midfielder and is described as a "gifted playmaker" who "possesses superb technique". Nécib is also known for her "elegant possession, sublime passing... Aya MiyamaAya Miyama is a Japanese football midfielder who currently plays for Okayama Yunogō Belle of the L. League. She is also a member of the Japan's national team that won the 2011 Women's World Cup.-Early career:... Shinobu OhnoShinobu Ohno is a Japanese football player who plays as a forward. Her club team, as of 2011, is INAC Kobe Leonessa.After playing in the U-19 and U-20 teams for a short period, Ohno joined the senior Japanese national team in 2003. Her first major tournament was the 2006 AFC Women's Asian Cup, where Japan... Homare SawaHomare Sawa is a female football player from Japan. She currently plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa in the Nadeshiko League Division 1.- Career :Long considered Japan's finest female footballer, she made her debut in Japan's highest domestic league at age 12. On December 6, 1993, at age 15, she made her Japanese... Kerstin GarefrekesKerstin Garefrekes Kerstin Garefrekes is a German footballer. She plays as a midfielder or striker for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team.-Club:... Caroline SegerCaroline Seger Sara Caroline Seger , is a Swedish football player from Helsingborg. She plays for the Swedish Women's National Team. From 2005 to 2009, she played for Linköpings FC. In 2011, she signed with LdB FC Malmö from 2011 onwards. She also signed a 2-year contract with Tyresö FF for the 2012 season... Shannon BoxxShannon Boxx Shannon Boxx is an American soccer midfielder currently playing for magicJack of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the United States women's national soccer team.... Lauren CheneyLauren Cheney Lauren Nicole Cheney is an American soccer player and member of the United States women's national soccer team. She is currently a forward for Women's Professional Soccer's Boston Breakers.-Career:... |
Marta Lotta Schelin Lotta Schelin Charlotta Eva Schelin , usually referred to as Lotta Schelin, is a Swedish football player who currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais of the Division 1 Féminine... Abby WambachAbby Wambach Mary Abigail "Abby" Wambach is an American professional soccer player, coach and Olympic gold medalist. A four-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, she has been a regular on the U.S. women's national team since 2003... |
Overall top goalscorers
14 goals Marta Birgit PrinzBirgit Prinz
Birgit Prinz is a former German female professional association football player. She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team. Prinz is one of the game's most prolific strikers and the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals . She has been named FIFA...
13 goals Abby Wambach
Abby Wambach
Mary Abigail "Abby" Wambach is an American professional soccer player, coach and Olympic gold medalist. A four-time winner of the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year award, she has been a regular on the U.S. women's national team since 2003...
12 goals Michelle Akers
Michelle Akers
Michelle Akers is a former leading American association football player, who starred in the historic 1991 and 1999 Women's World Cup victory by the U.S.. She won the Golden Boot as the top scorer in the 1991 tournament...
11 goals Sun Wen Bettina Wiegmann
Bettina Wiegmann
Bettina Wiegmann is a retired German football midfielder. She scored 51 goals in 154 caps for the German national team between 1989 and 2003. In 1997 she was selected German Female Footballer of the Year....
10 goals Ann Kristin Aarønes Heidi Mohr
Heidi Mohr
Heidi Mohr is a former German footballer. As a footballer she was renowned for her speed and her ability to shoot with both feet. In 1999 she was voted Europe's Footballer of the Century.-Club career:...
9 goals Linda Medalen
Linda Medalen
Linda Medalen is a former Norwegian footballer.She was one of Norway's most celebrated women footballers, finishing her international career with 152 caps, scoring 64 goals. She was on the Norwegian team that won the 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup.She played most of her career in Norway with Asker...
Hege Riise
Hege Riise
Hege Riise is a female footballer from Norway.-Club career:Riise started playing football at age 6 and played in a boys' team until age 14....
8 goals Kerstin Garefrekes
Kerstin Garefrekes
Kerstin Garefrekes is a German footballer. She plays as a midfielder or striker for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team.-Club:...
Mia Hamm
Mia Hamm
Mariel Margaret "Mia" Hamm is a retired American soccer player. Hamm played many years as a forward for the United States women's national soccer team and was a founding member of the Washington Freedom. Hamm has scored more international goals in her career than any other player, male or female,...
Kristine Lilly
Kristine Lilly
Kristine Marie Lilly Heavey is a retired American soccer player who last played for Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and was a member of the United States women's national soccer team for 24 years...
Liu Ailing
Liu Ailing
Liu Ailing is a female Chinese football player who competed in the 1996 Summer Olympics and in the 2000 Summer Olympics.In 1996 she won the silver medal with the Chinese team. She played all five matches and scored one goal....
Marianne Pettersen
Marianne Pettersen
Marianne Iren Pettersen is a Norwegian footballer. She was a forward for the club Asker, whom she joined from Gjelleråsen after the 1996 season, and became the top scorer with 36 goals in the 1998 season of 18 matches. For the Norwegian national team, she debuted in 1994, scoring against Italy....
Homare Sawa
Homare Sawa
is a female football player from Japan. She currently plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa in the Nadeshiko League Division 1.- Career :Long considered Japan's finest female footballer, she made her debut in Japan's highest domestic league at age 12. On December 6, 1993, at age 15, she made her Japanese...
7 goals Cristiane
Cristiane Rozeira de Souza Silva
Cristiane Rozeira de Souza Silva , better known as Cristiane, is a Brazilian association football player...
Tiffeny Milbrett Christine Sinclair
Christine Sinclair
Christine Margaret Sinclair is a Canadian soccer forward who plays professional soccer for the Western New York Flash and is the captain of the Canadian national team. Sinclair has spent ten years with the Canadian national team participating in two World Cups in 2007 and 2003 and the 2008 Summer...
Sissi
Sissi (footballer)
Sisleide do Amor Lima , commonly known as Sissi, is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a former member of the Brazil women's national football team.Sissi won the golden boot award in the 1999 Women's World Cup in...
Most tournaments appeared (players)
| # | Player | Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Kristine Lilly Kristine Lilly Kristine Marie Lilly Heavey is a retired American soccer player who last played for Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and was a member of the United States women's national soccer team for 24 years... |
5 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007) |
| Norway Bente Nordby Bente Nordby Bente Nordby is a former Norwegian football goalkeeper, who last played for Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon, France. She played with the Norwegian Women's National Football Team from 1991 to 2007.- Career :... |
5 (1991*, 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007) | |
| Brazil Formiga Miraildes Maciel Mota Miraildes Maciel Mota , commonly known as Formiga , is a Brazilian footballer who played midfielder who last played for FC Gold Pride of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Brazil women's national football team.-Career:Formiga was acquired by FC Gold Pride in the 2008 WPS... |
5 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011) | |
| Germany Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz is a former German female professional association football player. She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team. Prinz is one of the game's most prolific strikers and the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals . She has been named FIFA... |
5 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011) | |
| Japan Homare Sawa Homare Sawa is a female football player from Japan. She currently plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa in the Nadeshiko League Division 1.- Career :Long considered Japan's finest female footballer, she made her debut in Japan's highest domestic league at age 12. On December 6, 1993, at age 15, she made her Japanese... |
5 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011) | |
| 6 | United States Joy Fawcett |
4 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003) |
| United States Julie Foudy |
4 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003) | |
| United States Mia Hamm Mia Hamm Mariel Margaret "Mia" Hamm is a retired American soccer player. Hamm played many years as a forward for the United States women's national soccer team and was a founding member of the Washington Freedom. Hamm has scored more international goals in her career than any other player, male or female,... |
4 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003) | |
| Norway Hege Riise Hege Riise Hege Riise is a female footballer from Norway.-Club career:Riise started playing football at age 6 and played in a boys' team until age 14.... |
4 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003) | |
| People's Republic of China Sun Wen |
4 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003) | |
| Germany Bettina Wiegmann Bettina Wiegmann Bettina Wiegmann is a retired German football midfielder. She scored 51 goals in 154 caps for the German national team between 1989 and 2003. In 1997 she was selected German Female Footballer of the Year.... |
4 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2003) | |
| Brazil Pretinha |
4 (1991, 1995, 1999, 2007) | |
| Brazil Katia Kátia Cilene Teixeira da Silva Kátia Cilene Teixeira da Silva , known simply as Kátia is a female Brazilian footballer.-Career:... |
4 (1995*, 1999, 2003, 2007) | |
| Brazil Tânia Tânia Maria Pereira Ribeiro Tânia Maria Pereira Ribeiro, or simply Tânia is a Brazilian women's soccer player. She plays as a defender for Brazil's Saad EC, and is a member of the Brazilian National Team, for which she won a silver medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics... |
4 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007) | |
| Germany Sandra Minnert Sandra Minnert Sandra Minnert is a former German football defender. She played for SC 07 Bad Neuenahr and the German national team.-Coaching career:... |
4 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007) | |
| Germany Sandra Smisek Sandra Smisek Sandra Smisek is a German football striker. She currently plays for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team.Smisek has played for Germany at four FIFA Women's World Cup finals.-References:... |
4 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007) | |
 Nigeria Maureen MmaduMaureen Mmadu Maureen Mmadu is a Nigerian football midfielder who last played for Linköpings FC in the Swedish women's 1st division Damallsvenskan.-Career:She previously played for Klepp IL in the Norwegian Toppserien... |
4 (1995, 1999*, 2003, 2007) | |
| Canada Andrea Neil Andrea Neil Andrea Neil is an accomplished female soccer player.Neil retired as a player in December 2007, having played 131 times for the Canadian national women's soccer team and in four consecutive World Cups... |
4 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007) | |
| Australia Cheryl Salisbury Cheryl Salisbury Cheryl Ann Salisbury is a female football player.-Biography:She most recently played as a defender for the New York Power in the WUSA and for the Newcastle United Jets in the W-League... |
4 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007) | |
| United States Briana Scurry Briana Scurry Briana Colette Scurry is a retired American soccer goalkeeper. Scurry was the starting goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer team at the 1995 World Cup , 1996 Olympics , 1999 World Cup , 2003 World Cup , 2004 Olympics and 2007 World Cup... |
4 (1995, 1999, 2003, 2007) | |
| Brazil Andréia |
4 (1999*, 2003, 2007, 2011) | |
| Canada Karina LeBlanc Karina LeBlanc Karina LeBlanc is a soccer goalkeeper currently playing for the Philadelphia Independence of Women's Professional Soccer and is a member of the Canadian National Team. She holds both Canadian and United States citizenship... |
4 (1999*, 2003, 2007*, 2011) | |
| Germany Nadine Angerer |
4 (1999*, 2003*, 2007, 2011) | |
| Germany Ariane Hingst Ariane Hingst Ariane Hingst is a German footballer. Primarily utilized as a defender or a defensive holding, midfielder Hingst announced this summer that she would be retiring from international football with the German national team. In addition it was announced by 1... |
4 (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011) | |
| United States Christie Rampone Christie Rampone Christie Patricia Rampone is an American soccer defender currently playing for magicJack of Women's Professional Soccer. She is a member and current Captain of the United States women's national soccer team.-High school:... |
4 (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011) | |
Most matches played (players)
| # | Player | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Kristine Lilly Kristine Lilly Kristine Marie Lilly Heavey is a retired American soccer player who last played for Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer and was a member of the United States women's national soccer team for 24 years... |
30 |
| 2 | Germany Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz is a former German female professional association football player. She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team. Prinz is one of the game's most prolific strikers and the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals . She has been named FIFA... |
25 |
| 3 | United States Julie Foudy |
24 |
| 4 | United States Joy Fawcett |
23 |
| United States Mia Hamm Mia Hamm Mariel Margaret "Mia" Hamm is a retired American soccer player. Hamm played many years as a forward for the United States women's national soccer team and was a founding member of the Washington Freedom. Hamm has scored more international goals in her career than any other player, male or female,... |
23 | |
| 6 | Germany Bettina Wiegmann Bettina Wiegmann Bettina Wiegmann is a retired German football midfielder. She scored 51 goals in 154 caps for the German national team between 1989 and 2003. In 1997 she was selected German Female Footballer of the Year.... |
22 |
| Norway Bente Nordby Bente Nordby Bente Nordby is a former Norwegian football goalkeeper, who last played for Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon, France. She played with the Norwegian Women's National Football Team from 1991 to 2007.- Career :... |
22 | |
| Norway Hege Riise Hege Riise Hege Riise is a female footballer from Norway.-Club career:Riise started playing football at age 6 and played in a boys' team until age 14.... |
22 |
Winning managers and captains
| World Cup | Manager | Captain |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 China | Anson Dorrance Anson Dorrance Anson Dorrance is the head coach of the women's soccer program at the University of North Carolina. He has one of the most successful coaching records in the history of athletics. Under Dorrance's leadership, the Tar Heels have won 20 of the 28 NCAA Women's Soccer Championships... |
April Heinrichs |
| 1995 Sweden | Even Pellerud Even Pellerud Even Jostein Pellerud is a Norwegian football coach and former player.Pellerud played for several clubs, including Vålerenga from 1974 to 1979 and Kongsvinger from 1983 to 1986... |
Heidi Støre Heidi Støre Heidi Støre is a former Norwegian footballer and world champion as captain for the national team.She played for the clubs Sprint-Jeløy , Trollhättan , Kolbotn , Nikko and Athene Moss... |
| 1999 USA | Tony DiCicco Tony DiCicco Tony DiCicco is an American soccer player, coach, and commentator. He is best known as the coach of the United States women's national soccer team from 1994 to 1999, during which time the team won an Olympic gold medal in 1996 and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.In 1970, DiCicco graduated from... |
Carla Overbeck |
| 2003 USA | Tina Theune |
Bettina Wiegmann Bettina Wiegmann Bettina Wiegmann is a retired German football midfielder. She scored 51 goals in 154 caps for the German national team between 1989 and 2003. In 1997 she was selected German Female Footballer of the Year.... |
| 2007 China | Silvia Neid Silvia Neid Silvia Neid is a former professional soccer player, and, since July 2005, has served as the head coach of the Germany women's national football team after having been assistant to Tina Theune-Meyer for some time... |
Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz Birgit Prinz is a former German female professional association football player. She last played for 1. FFC Frankfurt and the German national team. Prinz is one of the game's most prolific strikers and the FIFA Women's World Cup all-time leading scorer with 14 goals . She has been named FIFA... |
| 2011 Germany | Norio Sasaki Norio Sasaki is the head coach of the Japan women's national football team and a former association football player. He served as coach of the women's U-20 team starting in 2006, and was named coach of the national team in 2008... |
Homare Sawa Homare Sawa is a female football player from Japan. She currently plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa in the Nadeshiko League Division 1.- Career :Long considered Japan's finest female footballer, she made her debut in Japan's highest domestic league at age 12. On December 6, 1993, at age 15, she made her Japanese... |
See also
- FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup
- FIFA U-17 Women's World CupFIFA U-17 Women's World CupThe FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup is an international association football tournament for female players under the age of 17. It is organized by Fédération Internationale de Football Association...
- FIFA World CupFIFA World CupThe FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...