The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France was a transformative event that redefined the global landscape of women's sports through record-breaking performances and immense cultural impact. Key highlights included the United States winning their fourth title, Megan Rapinoe’s clinical dominance on the pitch, and Marta’s historic achievement as the leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
The eighth edition of the tournament served as a watershed moment, not just for the quality of play but for the unprecedented level of media coverage and commercial interest it generated. Seven years later, as we reflect from the vantage point of 2026, the 2019 tournament remains the benchmark for how a single sporting event can ignite a global conversation about equity, professionalization, and tactical evolution in soccer.
The Cultural and Commercial Shift in France
Before the first whistle blew at the Parc des Princes, the 2019 World Cup was already set to break records. FIFA reported that over 1.1 million tickets were sold, and the total global viewership surpassed 1 billion people across all platforms. This was not merely a sports tournament; it was a cultural phenomenon that took over France, from the streets of Paris to the stadiums in Lyon and Nice.
The atmosphere in France was electric. Unlike previous iterations, the 2019 tournament benefited from a sophisticated marketing infrastructure and a genuine appetite from fans for high-stakes competition. This interest was fueled by the narrowing gap between the traditional powerhouses like the USA and Germany and rising contenders like the Netherlands, Spain, and England. The investment in domestic leagues across Europe began to manifest on the international stage, resulting in a more technical, faster, and more physical brand of football than had been seen in previous decades.
The Statement: USA 13-0 Thailand
One of the most discussed highlights of the entire tournament occurred during the opening week. The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) faced Thailand in a Group F match that would end with a staggering 13-0 scoreline. This remains the largest margin of victory in FIFA World Cup history (men’s or women’s).
Alex Morgan scored five goals in that single match, equaling the record set by Michelle Akers in 1991. However, the highlight was as much about the controversy as the goals. The American players were criticized by some for their exuberant celebrations late in the game, leading to a worldwide debate about sportsmanship and the "mercy rule" in professional sports. For the USWNT, the match was a statement of intent. It established their clinical efficiency and signaled that they were not merely in France to compete, but to dominate. The highlights of those thirteen goals serve as a technical masterclass in finishing, positioning, and relentless offensive pressure.
Marta’s Historic 17th Goal
While the USA was dominating the headlines, Brazil’s legendary forward Marta was etching her name into the history books. In a Group B match against Italy, Marta converted a penalty that marked her 17th career World Cup goal. This achievement was monumental because it moved her past Germany’s Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history—men’s or women’s.
The moment Marta scored was followed by an impassioned post-match interview that became one of the tournament's most enduring viral clips. Addressing the next generation of Brazilian girls, she pleaded for them to value and support women’s soccer, famously stating, "The future depends on you." This moment transcended the match itself, highlighting the personal and social weight carried by the players of that era. Marta's record remains a testament to her longevity and unparalleled skill at the highest level of the game.
The First "VAR World Cup" and the Drama in Nice
The 2019 tournament was the first Women’s World Cup to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology. This led to several unforgettable—and often polarizing—moments. The most dramatic application occurred during the Group D clash between Scotland and Argentina in Nice.
Scotland, needing a win to advance, held a 3-0 lead until the 74th minute. Argentina mounted a comeback, and in the dying moments of the game, a penalty was awarded to Argentina after a VAR review. The Scottish goalkeeper, Lee Alexander, saved the initial penalty, but a second VAR review showed she had moved off her line by a matter of inches before the ball was struck. The penalty was retaken, Argentina scored to tie the game 3-3, and Scotland was eliminated. The highlights of this match captured the raw emotion and the technical teething pains of integrating VAR into the flow of the game, a theme that would persist throughout the knockout stages.
Megan Rapinoe and the "Pose" in Paris
If the 2019 World Cup had a singular face, it was Megan Rapinoe. Her performance in the quarter-final against the host nation, France, is widely considered one of the greatest individual displays in tournament history. In a high-pressure environment at the Sold-Out Parc des Princes, Rapinoe scored both goals in a 2-1 victory.
After her first goal—a low, driven free-kick that evaded a crowded box—Rapinoe ran to the corner flag and struck a defiant pose with her arms outstretched. This image became the defining photograph of the 2019 World Cup. It represented not just her athletic success, but her vocal advocacy for social justice and equal pay off the pitch. The tactical brilliance of the USWNT in this match, specifically their ability to absorb French pressure and strike on the counter-attack, was a highlight that underscored why they were the world's top-ranked team.
The Semi-Final: England vs. USA and the "Tea Sip"
The semi-final between England and the USA was perhaps the most competitive match of the tournament. It featured high-quality goals, a saved penalty, and a controversial celebration that dominated British and American tabloids.
Christen Press opened the scoring for the US, followed by an equalizer from England’s Ellen White. Alex Morgan then scored what would be the winning goal on her 30th birthday. Her celebration—mimicking the act of sipping a cup of tea—was seen by some as a jab at English culture, while others viewed it as a harmless bit of gamesmanship.
The match reached its climax when England was awarded a penalty in the 84th minute after another VAR review. Captain Steph Houghton stepped up, but American goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made a heroic save to preserve the lead. This moment was a highlight of defensive composure and goalkeeping excellence, propelling the USA to their third consecutive World Cup final.
The Final in Lyon: USA vs. Netherlands
The final took place on July 7, 2019, at the Stade de Lyon, pitting the defending champions against the reigning European champions, the Netherlands. For the first hour of the match, the Dutch "Oranjeleeuwinnen" put up a formidable defensive block, led by goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal, who made several world-class saves to keep the score level.
The deadlock was broken in the 61st minute. A high-boot foul on Alex Morgan resulted in a penalty, which Megan Rapinoe converted with cold-blooded precision. Shortly after, Rose Lavelle produced one of the most beautiful individual highlights of the tournament. Receiving the ball near the halfway line, she drove through the heart of the Dutch defense, performed a clinical step-over to create space, and fired a left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
The 2-0 victory secured the USA's fourth star and cemented their status as a global dynasty. The post-match celebrations were notable for the crowd in Lyon chanting "Equal Pay," a powerful moment that linked the players' on-field success to their legal and social battles for parity.
Tournament Statistics and Award Winners
The 2019 World Cup was defined by individual brilliance that translated into record-breaking statistics. Megan Rapinoe cleaned up the individual awards, but several other players had breakout tournaments that changed the trajectory of their careers.
| Award | Winner | Country | Key Statistic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Ball (Best Player) | Megan Rapinoe | USA | 6 Goals, 3 Assists |
| Golden Boot (Top Scorer) | Megan Rapinoe | USA | 6 Goals (won via tie-breaker) |
| Golden Glove (Best GK) | Sari van Veenendaal | Netherlands | 8 Saves in the Final |
| Best Young Player | Giulia Gwinn | Germany | Played every minute for Germany |
| Silver Boot | Alex Morgan | USA | 6 Goals, 3 Assists |
| Bronze Boot | Ellen White | England | 6 Goals |
Note: While Rapinoe, Morgan, and White all scored six goals, Rapinoe won the Golden Boot because she played the fewest minutes per goal.
Tactical Evolution and the Rise of the Midfield
One often overlooked highlight of 2019 was the tactical shift toward more sophisticated midfield play. While previous tournaments were often dominated by long-ball tactics and physical superiorities, 2019 saw teams like Spain, the Netherlands, and Japan emphasize possession and intricate passing patterns.
Rose Lavelle and Julie Ertz for the USA, Jill Roord and Danielle van de Donk for the Netherlands, and Lucy Bronze (playing as an inverted wing-back for England) demonstrated a level of tactical flexibility that was relatively new to the women's international game. The highlights of these players' movements off the ball provide a blueprint for the modern game, showing how space is manipulated at the highest level of soccer.
FAQs About the 2019 World Cup Highlights
Who won the 2019 Soccer World Cup?
The United States Women’s National Team won the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup by defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in the final. This victory marked their fourth title (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019) and their second consecutive championship. Their path to the trophy included a perfect record in the group stage and knockout victories against Spain, France, and England.
What was the most controversial moment of the 2019 World Cup?
The implementation of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) was the most controversial aspect of the tournament. Specifically, the frequent penalization of goalkeepers for moving off their goal lines during penalties caused significant debate. The most famous instance was the Scotland vs. Argentina match, where a retaken penalty due to a VAR line violation resulted in Scotland’s elimination.
Which player scored the most goals in a single match in 2019?
Alex Morgan scored five goals in the opening match against Thailand. This performance tied the record for the most goals scored by an individual in a FIFA World Cup match. Her performance was a highlight of technical finishing, featuring goals scored with her head, her left foot, and through clever positioning in the box.
Why was the "Tea Sip" celebration significant?
Alex Morgan’s "tea sip" celebration against England in the semi-final was significant because it ignited a debate about cultural tropes and gamesmanship. While Morgan stated it was a reference to the phrase "and that’s the tea" (slang for gossip), many English fans and pundits viewed it as a mocking gesture toward British culture. It became one of the most replayed highlights of the knockout rounds.
How many people watched the 2019 World Cup?
The 2019 World Cup reached a record-breaking global audience. According to FIFA's verified data, 1.12 billion viewers tuned into the official broadcast coverage across all platforms. The final between the USA and the Netherlands alone drew an average live audience of 56.3 million people, making it the most-watched Women's World Cup match in history.
Who was the breakout star of the tournament?
While established names like Rapinoe and Morgan led the USA, Rose Lavelle was widely considered the breakout star. Her goal in the final showcased her elite technical ability and dribbling skills. For the Netherlands, Vivianne Miedema solidified her reputation as one of the world's best strikers, and for England, Ellen White’s clinical finishing made her a household name.
Legacy and Next Actions
The highlights of the 2019 Soccer World Cup are more than just a collection of goals and saves; they represent a permanent shift in how the world perceives women’s soccer. The tournament proved that there is a massive, untapped market for women's sports when given the same production value and media attention as men's events.
For fans and analysts looking to study the evolution of the game, watching the 2019 highlights provides essential context for the current state of international soccer in 2026. To further explore these moments, you can visit the official FIFA YouTube channel or the FIFA+ digital archive, which hosts full-match replays and curated "Classic Match" highlights. Understanding the tactical shifts from 2019—such as the high press and the integration of VAR—is crucial for anyone following the sport today.
