The United States women’s national soccer team has once again established itself as the benchmark for women’s soccer excellence.
The USWNT concluded its Olympic gold medal drought on Saturday with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Brazil in the women’s soccer final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, thanks to a decisive goal by Mallory Swanson.
Although a 12-year gap may seem insignificant to some nations, it was a notable period for the U.S., which had dominated the sport early on, winning four of the first five gold medals since women’s soccer was introduced at the 1996 Games. Expectations were high, and this year’s team rose to the occasion, seeking to atone for previous disappointments, including a lack of medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, a bronze finish at the Tokyo Games three years ago, and an exit in the round of 16 in last summer’s World Cup.
Amid a backdrop of 329 medal events across 32 sports, the USWNT, guided by new coach Emma Hayes and featuring a youthful, motivated roster, approached the Olympics with renewed energy and a chance to reclaim gold without the weight of overwhelming pressure.
Hayes expressed her emotions, saying, “I’m very emotional. It’s been a dream of mine to be in this position. I have to thank my dad because he’s the one who pushed me to this point to be able to come and coach an unbelievable group of players who have received me so well and taken on board everything I have asked. They are tremendous people and players and role models. Yeah, I love them.”
Swanson was pivotal in the win, scoring the lone goal in the 57th minute after connecting with a through ball from Korbin Albert. While Brazil initially controlled possession in the first half, their pressure diminished in the second half. U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher solidified the victory with a crucial one-handed save on a header from Adriana in the fourth minute of added time.
As soon as the final whistle blew, celebratory scenes erupted, fueled by Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” playing in the stadium, marking the USWNT’s fifth Olympic gold medal.
“We’ve grown so much,” said Swanson, playing in her 100th national team match. “And that’s really cool to me. We’ve grown on and off the field. And you keep probably hearing it — we’re playing with joy. We’re having so much fun, and I’m just so happy.”
Brazil, which has faced the U.S. in Olympic finals in 2004 and 2008, sought its first gold medal in women’s soccer. This match also marked the end of an era for legendary player Marta, Brazil’s 38-year-old captain, who announced her retirement from international football at the end of 2024 after participating in all three final losses.