Who won women's football world cup 2018

Understanding the fifa women's world cup cycle: why 2018 was unique

When searching for "who won women's football world cup 2018," it's crucial to understand the timing of this prestigious tournament. Unlike some annual sports events, the FIFA Women's World Cup operates on a quadrennial cycle, meaning it takes place every four years. This establishes a clear pattern: 2015, 2019, 2023, and so on. Consequently, there was no FIFA Women's World Cup held in the year 2018. Therefore, directly answering "who won women's football world cup 2018" is straightforward: no team won, because the tournament did not occur in that specific year.

However, the query often stems from a genuine interest in the sport's highest echelons and a desire to recall recent champions. To fully address the spirit of the question, it's helpful to look at the tournaments immediately preceding and following 2018, as well as other significant women's football events that did take place during that year, contributing to the sport's global narrative.

The actual champion closest to 2018: fifa women's world cup france 2019

While there was no winner for "who won women's football world cup 2018", the next installment of the tournament, held in France in 2019, saw the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) clinch their record-extending fourth title. This was a highly anticipated event, building on the momentum of women's football globally. The USWNT, led by stars like Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Rose Lavelle, put on a dominant display throughout the competition, showcasing exceptional talent and tactical prowess.

Journey to the final and key moments

The USWNT's journey to the final was marked by powerful performances, including a 13-0 victory over Thailand in their opening match, which set a new tournament record. They overcame challenging opponents such as hosts France in a thrilling quarter-final and England in a tightly contested semi-final. The final match, played on July 7, 2019, at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon, saw the USA face a resilient Netherlands side, who were the reigning European champions. Goals from Megan Rapinoe (a penalty kick) and Rose Lavelle secured a 2-0 victory for the Americans, solidifying their status as the dominant force in international women's football at the time. Rapinoe also took home the Golden Ball (best player) and Golden Boot (top scorer) awards, marking an incredible individual performance.

Looking back: the previous champion - fifa women's world cup canada 2015

To provide further context surrounding "who won women's football world cup 2018", we must also look back to the tournament immediately preceding it. The United States Women's National Team were also the champions of the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015. This victory marked their third World Cup title at the time and was a memorable tournament for many reasons, including a captivating final against Japan.

The historic 2015 final

The final match, held on July 5, 2015, at BC Place in Vancouver, was an unforgettable spectacle. The USA faced Japan in a rematch of the 2011 final, which Japan had won. This time, however, the USWNT delivered a stunning performance, securing a resounding 5-2 victory. The match is particularly famous for Carli Lloyd's sensational hat-trick, which included an incredible goal from midfield, all within the first 16 minutes of the game. Her individual brilliance set the tone for a dominant display, avenging their 2011 loss and re-establishing the USA's supremacy in women's football.

Major women's football events that did happen in 2018

While the FIFA Women's World Cup wasn't held in 2018, the year was far from quiet for women's football. Numerous significant tournaments and league competitions took place, showcasing the sport's growing global appeal and professionalization. These events highlight the vibrant landscape of women's football even in non-World Cup years, demonstrating the talent and passion that continues to drive the sport forward.

Uefa women's champions league 2017-2018 final

One of the most prominent club competitions in women's football, the UEFA Women's Champions League, concluded its 2017-2018 season in 2018. The final was held on May 24, 2018, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) from France defeated VfL Wolfsburg from Germany in a thrilling match that went to extra time, ending 4-1. This victory marked Lyon's fifth Women's Champions League title and their third consecutive triumph, solidifying their status as a powerhouse in European club football. Ada Hegerberg, one of the world's leading strikers, was a key player for Lyon during this successful campaign.

Concacaf women's championship 2018

Serving as the qualification tournament for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup for teams from North, Central America, and the Caribbean, the CONCACAF Women's Championship was held in October 2018. The United States emerged as the champions, defeating Canada 2-0 in the final. This tournament was crucial as it determined which teams would represent the region in the global showpiece, with the USA, Canada, and Jamaica ultimately qualifying.

Afc women's asian cup 2018

Similarly, the AFC Women's Asian Cup, held in April 2018 in Jordan, also served as the qualification event for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup for Asian teams. Japan successfully defended their title, defeating Australia 1-0 in the final. This tournament showcased the strength of women's football in Asia, with Japan, Australia, China, South Korea, and Thailand securing their spots for France 2019.

National leagues and domestic competitions

Throughout 2018, major domestic leagues across the globe saw intense competition. The NWSL (National Women's Soccer League) in the USA concluded with the North Carolina Courage winning the championship. England's FA WSL (Women's Super League) crowned Chelsea as champions for the 2017-18 season. These leagues are vital for developing talent and maintaining the high level of play that feeds into international tournaments.

The growing impact and future of women's football

Even in a non-World Cup year like 2018, the momentum for women's football continued to build. The events of 2018, from continental championships to club finals, were integral in fostering talent, raising professional standards, and increasing viewership. The period around "who won women's football world cup 2018" was one of significant growth for the sport, laying the groundwork for the record-breaking success of the 2019 World Cup and beyond.

The increasing investment in women's leagues, improved media coverage, and rising attendance figures are testaments to the sport's global expansion. Players like Ada Hegerberg, Sam Kerr, and Marta continued to inspire millions, driving the narrative of excellence and equality. The focus in 2018 shifted from a single global champion to the collective strength and competitive spirit across various regions and leagues, all contributing to a richer and more robust ecosystem for women's football worldwide.

Understanding the context around "who won women's football world cup 2018" means appreciating not just the winners of major tournaments, but also the continuous development and impact of the sport year-round. The journey of women's football is one of constant progress, with each year, including those without a World Cup, adding new chapters to its compelling story.