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Looking back at America's first Women's World Cup final in 1991

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 25, 2026, 5:31 AM

Last updated Oct 25, 2026

Looking back at America's first Women's World Cup final in 1991

Summary

The first Women's World Cup, held in 1991 in China, was not officially recognized as a World Cup at the time. It featured eight teams, with Norway and the United States reaching the final. Both teams had impressive semi-final performances, with the USA defeating Germany and Norway overcoming Sweden. The match saw its decisive goal come in the 78th minute, amidst a defensive and attritional battle displayed by both sides. Historically, the tournament showed its significance despite early uncertainties about women's football's viability.

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By the Numbers

•The 1991 Women's World Cup had eight participating teams.
•Norway faced the USA in the final after strong semi-final wins.
•The final match was low-scoring with a goal in the 78th minute.
•The event was initially dubbed the '1st FIFA World Championship for Women’s Football for the M&M’s Cup'.
•Attendance averaged around 20,000 despite many free tickets.

Latest Updates

5:31 AMYahoo Sports — The history of the Women’s World Cup final – 1991: America victorious but was it officially a World Cup?

What they're saying

"
This is the first in a new series looking at historic Women’s World Cup finals ahead of the 2027 tournament, which will be hosted in Brazil. There have only been nine Women’s World Cup finals. And this first one was not, at the time, even recognised as a World Cup… Background While unofficial World Cups for female players were held in the 1970s, this was the first global tournament recognised by FIFA. However, this is only considered the first Women’s World Cup retrospectively. Amid uncertainty
— Yahoo Sports

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