The Greatest Women’s Soccer Teams Of All-Time
In the illustrious realm of women's soccer, a select few teams have risen to legendary heights, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.
From the many teams from the United States to the women across the pond and world, take a header with us and learn about some of the greatest women's soccer teams ever assembled.
2019 - U.S.
The '19 U.S. Women's National Soccer Team will go down as arguably their most formidable international assembly. With a record-breaking 26 goals, it showcased unprecedented dominance in any of their World Cup campaigns.
Their scorching 7-0 victory record solidified their triumphant '19 World Cup win, making them the most powerful force in women's soccer history.
2007 - Brazil
The '07 version of the Brazilian Women's National Soccer team clinched a notable runner-up spot in a hard-fought 2-0 defeat to Germany. Their legacy endures as a cornerstone of women's soccer excellence.
The Brazilian Women's National Soccer Team, despite not attaining the recognition of their male counterparts, stands as a powerhouse in women's soccer.
2011 - Japan
When discussing the most formidable Women's soccer teams in history, the 2011 team from Japan undeniably claims a top spot after winning the championship.
The remarkable achievements of the Japanese powers include clinching nine World Cup appearances and earning a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. These accolades solidify Japan's rightful place among the sport's elite.
2012 - Canada
The '12 Canadian Women's National Soccer team, despite netting an impressive 12 goals across six games in the '12 Olympics, faced controversy due to contentious officiating.
Though on track to vie for gold, they ultimately secured a well-earned bronze. Regarded as one of women's soccer's finest, their legacy endured until winning gold in British Columbia in 2020 as the host nation.
1996 - China
The '96 Chinese Women's National Soccer team established itself as a force in international women's soccer with a stellar performance in the '96 Summer Games. Their hard-earned and well-deserved silver medal highlighted their elite status.
Scoring 11 goals across five games showcased their juggernaut offense, solidifying their place among the sport's global elites.
1999 - Brazil
The '99 Brazil Women's National Soccer team firmly entrenched itself among women's soccer elites. Scoring an impressive 16 goals in the '99 tournament, Brazil secured a commendable third place, hinting at their future prowess.
This foreshadowing became a reality in '07 when they clinched the runner-up spot – their deepest run, though not necessarily their finest team.
2003 - Germany
The 2003 German Women's National Soccer Team stands as an apex in women's football, renowned for its greatness. The elite squad put up 25 goals, their most ever in any World Cup, and went undefeated in their six games played.
It is hard to fathom that the '03 German team is their second-best team, and their championship was the first of back-to-backs.
1995 - Germany
The '95 German Women's National team stands among women's soccer's mightiest. With a remarkable 13-goal tally, they clinched second place in only the second Women's World Cup, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.
Their level of talent and achievements inspired generations of female footballers in their homeland and worldwide.
2011 - France
The 2011 French Women's National Soccer Team secures a notable spot among soccer's elite with its commanding presence. Earning a fourth-place rank in the '11 Women's World Cup, they showcased their strength by scoring ten goals.
Although their '23 World Cup journey ended in the quarterfinals, their impactful legacy endures, underscoring their significance in the sport's annals.
1991 - U.S.
The 1991 US Women's National Soccer Team cemented their place among the world's best by clinching the inaugural World Cup. Undefeated throughout, they netted 25 goals, their second-highest in international tournaments.
The historic achievement of the '91 US squad resonates as they pioneered women's soccer, leading the way to a run of unmatched dominance.
Norway - 1991
The 1991 Women's National Soccer Team from Norway earned their spot among the women's soccer elite. Though they lost to the US in the inaugural Women's World Cup final, their 14-goal performance showcased their greatness.
Norway's triumph in the next World Cup (1995) cemented its legacy, revealing a remarkable history and a promising future.
2003 - Sweden
The 2003 Swedish Women's National Team established themselves as soccer elites with a standout runner-up finish in the World Cup, narrowly succumbing to the powerhouse United States.
Their prowess was evident through a remarkable 10-goal performance in six games, showcasing their offensive brilliance and securing their esteemed status in women's soccer lore.
2020 - Canada
The 2020 Canadian Women's National Soccer Team earned a place among the elite in women's sports history. Seizing the Olympic gold at the '20 Tokyo Games was an accomplishment in itself.
Spearheaded by star player Christine Sinclair, a true icon, Canada made their mark with eight World Cup appearances and the unfortunate luck of facing their rivals in the dominant United States Women's National Soccer teams.
1996 - U.S. Olympic
The '96 U.S. Women's National Team, Olympic gold medalists after a World Cup triumph, scored nine goals and remained unbeaten at the Atlanta Games.
Yet, their excellence underscores U.S. soccer dominance, not their pinnacle. This testament to supremacy in international arenas cements their legacy as a force to be reckoned with.
2023 - Spain
The 2023 Spanish Women's National soccer team stands as a global force, ranked sixth internationally. Thanks to their formidable skills and unwavering teamwork, they secured a spot in the World Cup final against England.
Their journey epitomizes their rise as a powerhouse, captivating fans worldwide with their exceptional prowess on the field.
2019 - Netherlands
The 2019 Netherlands Women's Soccer team etched its name in history as one of the sport's greatest teams. Their meteoric rise from failing to qualify for a World Cup until 2015 to becoming the runners-up in 2019 showcased their remarkable journey.
The Netherlands' impressive record of 6 wins in 7 games left an unforgettable mark on the world stage, firmly planting their place among soccer's elite.
2004 - U.S. Olympic
The 2004 U.S. Women's National Olympic team's gold medal victory, with 12 goals and just one loss, is impressive. However, it falls short of labeling them the best-ever, showcasing the enduring dominance of U.S. women in international soccer.
Their legacy is a testament to the consistent excellence on the global stage that has defined American soccer.
1999 - China
The 1999 Chinese Women's National soccer team remains an iconic powerhouse, boasting an astounding record of 19 goals scored while conceding only 2.
Their remarkable journey led them to a runner-up finish in the Women's World Cup, narrowly losing to the United States. Their prowess and resilience solidified their place among the all-time greats.
2019 - Sweden
In 2019, Sweden's National Soccer team firmly etched its place among the nation's elite, solidifying its status as one of the world's premier squads.
Building upon their second-place finish in 2003, the 2019 team showcased their prowess by securing more victories and scoring its second-highest number of goals at a World Cup, amassing a formidable tally of 10 goals.
2015 - Japan
The 2015 Japanese Women's National Soccer team showcased their prowess as one of the finest in international women's soccer, building upon their remarkable 2011 World Cup victory.
Japan's extraordinary journey to the runner-up position was highlighted by a 6-1 record in 2015. This team's legacy remains a testament to their exceptional skill and determination on the global stage.
2012 - U.S. Olympic
The 2012 U.S. Women's National Team was one of the most dominant in global women's soccer. Their flawless six-game journey to Olympic gold showcased their unrivaled prowess, netting an astounding 16 goals.
With an undefeated record and an impressive goal margin, they etched their place as one of the greatest teams in the sport's history.
2015 - England
England's 2023 Women's World Cup finals appearance showcased their promising future. However, their 2015 team remains unparalleled, ranking among the finest in international women's soccer history.
Securing a remarkable third-place finish, the team's stunning display included an impressive tally of 10 goals in 2015's tournament.
2008 - U.S. Olympic
The 2008 U.S. Women's National Team will always be remembered as a dominant force in global women's soccer, securing their status among the greatest. With a remarkable record of five wins and just one loss, their triumph in clinching the 2008 Gold medal exemplifies their prowess.
Scoring 12 goals further underlines their exceptional performance, solidifying their reputation as a powerhouse in women's soccer.
2011 - Sweden
The 2011 Swedish Women's National soccer team left an indelible mark in international competition with their remarkable third-place finish. Despite being runners-up in the 2003 World Cup, they displayed unparalleled resilience and skill in 2011, losing just once throughout the tournament.
With an offensive prowess that matched their highest output of 10 goals scored in 2003, their legacy as one of the best teams ever in women's international competition.
1999 - U.S.
The 1999 U.S. Women's National Soccer Team's incredible championship victory, securing their third-highest goal tally (18) at a World Cup and suffering only one loss in six matches, defies belief that it's not their ultimate best.
Without question, the 1999 team has become one of the most dominant forces in Women's soccer history.
2007 - Germany
The 2007 German Women's National soccer team etched its legacy as an all-time powerhouse. With an astounding 21 goals scored and conceding only one, they dominated the field, remaining undefeated in six games.
Their triumphant journey culminated in a World Cup victory, a testament to their unrivaled skill, unity, and sheer dominance.
2015 - U.S.
The United States Women's National Soccer Team has showcased remarkable dominance in World Cups. The 2015 squad stands among their finest, marked by defeating rivals Canada and the host nation.
After a single loss in the '15 World Cup, their prowess and triumphs ice their legacy as one of history's most formidable soccer teams.
2023 - France
The 2023 French Women's National Soccer team etched itself as an elite in history with its remarkable offensive prowess. Ranked 5th ahead of the 2023 World Cup, their potent attack dominated, showcasing their place among the best.
Their impressive offensive output qualifying has already solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in women's soccer.
2016 - Germany
Germany's 2016 National Women's Soccer Team made it all the way to the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, they came out on top and snagged the gold for their country with a 1-2 match, winning over Sweden.
Germany's women's teams have always been great, at this team made it known around the world.
2023 - England
The 2023 English Women's National Soccer Team has placed its name among the finest in national and international history.
Storming into the 2023 final, their resolute performance showcased 13 goals, a testament to their dominance reminiscent of the United States' numerous successes. Their remarkable campaign secures a lasting place in the history of women's soccer.