Since 2013, the United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) had held firm on first place, but following their defeat to Sweden on penalties at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup they fell back into third.
Now, with Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe and other young talent joining their ranks, they are primed to create history again. In this article, we will discuss about United States Women’s National Soccer Team Standings.
1. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team is the Best in the World
The United States Women’s National Soccer Team is undisputedly the best in the world, having won four World Cups and four Olympic gold medals since women’s soccer became an Olympic sport in 1996. Their talent-filled squad features former Notre Dame star Megan Rapinoe who holds all-time goals record while Alex Morgan and Christen Press both hold 20 World Cup goals each and have three Olympic gold medals to their credit.
Though they have long dominated women’s soccer, the United Soccer Women National Team (USWNT) aren’t invincible; currently ranked fourth by FIFA it marks their lowest standing since rankings began back in 2003.
This drop follows several disappointing results for the USWNT, such as its loss to Mexico in their inaugural Women’s Gold Cup tournament opener. Injury issues and criticism over coaching decisions have plagued them while they also miss some experienced players like Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe from their ranks.
Though their success has suffered due to recent setbacks, the USWNT still stands a chance at returning to top spot when facing England and Sweden in two SheBelieves Cup matches later this month. They will present a stiff challenge since both European teams have been showing excellent form recently while the USWNT is struggling with a mix of veteran players as well as newcomers on its squad.
Even if the USWNT regains its top-spot ranking, they’ll face fierce competition from several countries such as Canada, Germany and Brazil. While still considered favorites to win this year’s World Cup title, signs suggest other teams may be closing in.
2. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team is Being Torn Under Discrimination
Though the US Women’s National Soccer Team has excelled internationally, they have also experienced discrimination on account of gender. Many female stars have filed suit against the United Soccer Federation (USSF), alleging that they are paid less than male counterparts on USSF-sponsored teams.
On March 8 – International Working Women’s Day – female players filed a lawsuit alleging they are being treated less fairly than men in every aspect of their careers, from how much they earn to where and when they play or train. Furthermore, these players claim the longstanding disparities in pay between male and female teams violates the Equal Protection Clause of the federal Civil Rights Act.
Although their lawsuit has yet to be decided, it is evident that USWNT players will continue their fight for equal pay and are winning support from lawmakers. Last July, Rep. Linda Sanchez introduced the Give Our Athletes Level Salaries (GOALS) Act which would cut congressional funding for 2026 World Cup until USSF provides equal pay between women’s team and men’s team players. This bill has garnered substantial support and should pass both houses of Congress this year.
Even without financial incentives, the USWNT has emerged as a cultural power. Star players such as Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Megan Rapinoe have all become household names due to their prowess on the pitch; yet they also use their fame and celebrity to advocate for issues important to them, from women’s rights to LGBTQ issues such as transgender rights – recently wearing wristbands in support of transgender rights during competition in Florida where anti-LGBTQ legislation is under attack.
Unfortunately, the USWNT’s success has also brought them under attack from right-wing politicians and pundits, who have taken advantage of its popularity to paint it as “too left-leaning.” Such rhetoric must be opposed as soon as it emerges given how ubiquitous football has become within American culture.
3. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team is Being Paid Less than the Men’s National Soccer Team
As soccer continues its rise in popularity, so has its pay disparities. While higher male wages were justified as necessary for drawing larger audiences, women’s national teams now outstrip men in terms of viewership but receive only half as much prize money – creating an issue both domestically and abroad. This disparity has caused outrage around the world.
Women’s national soccer players launched a legal fight for equal pay. They claimed their skills and achievements were on par with men, yet they received significantly less treatment (charter flights, hotels, facilities). After years of legal wrangling over equal pay issues, in 2022 they secured a $24 million settlement from U.S. Soccer in addition to promises that future collective bargaining agreements would include an equalization clause which ensured equal pay across teams.
USWNT recently fulfilled their promise when they signed an agreement to share total earnings equally with men’s team, as well as ensure equal payment for World Cup competition participation. This marks a great victory for women’s soccer, showing equality fight is far from over.
Alex Abad-Santos, Vox senior correspondent. Alex has covered what society obsesses over from Marvel and movies to fitness and skin care since joining Vox in 2014. Prior to that he worked for amNewYork and The Seminole Tribune.
The United Soccer Women National Team are currently attempting to make history and become the first women’s or men’s team in any era to win three consecutive World Cups. Competing in Group E alongside Netherlands, Portugal and Vietnam; having already won their two matches thus far and with Portugal coming up as their final opponent on Sunday they may again make history by winning. Should this occur and they reach the quarterfinals again it would mark four out of seven World Cups the USWNT has made it this far and one more win could make them the most dominant team in world soccer history!
4. The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team is Being Injured
Professional athletes often suffer injuries, but none more so than the USWNT over recent years. Leading into the World Cup, several key players who would have made an impactful contribution were unavailable – Mallory Swanson tore her patella tendon during a friendly against Ireland in April while midfielders Sam Mewis and Catarina Macario have both missed participation due to knee issues.
Becky Sauerbrunn is missing from the USWNT after she tore her ACL during a training session back in January, which is a devastating loss as she serves as a quiet leader and helps guide younger players through tough patches. Without her, the job will become far more challenging.
Even healthy players have had difficulty adapting to Andonovski’s system, writes Kim McCauley in The Athletic. Andonovski’s preference for overloads in wide areas has left midfield players vulnerable and disconnected resulting in defeats against top-ranked teams that has raised serious doubts about whether his team will ever win a championship.
Though many players remain out due to injuries, there have been encouraging signs. Rising stars Rose LaVelle and Alyssa Naeher have made progress with their recoveries from knee injuries. Meanwhile, Megan Rapinoe (2019 Golden Ball winner) and Kelley O’Hara are back with the squad after recovering from injuries.
Loss of key players will pose an immense challenge to the USWNT in 2023, as it will make competing against other top teams more difficult without an optimal roster. While it remains too soon to say whether the USWNT can overcome their injuries and defend their title successfully, they remain one of the favorites to claim victory and claim yet another World Cup trophy. Their hopes depend on it!
Also Read: afghanistan national cricket team vs ireland cricket team match scorecard