SheBelieves Cup. Women
The SheBelieves Cup for women is a renowned invitational tournament organized by U.S. Soccer, showcasing top international women's teams in the United States. It serves as a vital platform for high-stakes matches, blending competitive edge with fan engagement. Over the years, it has highlighted emerging stars and tactical innovations, drawing global attention to women's football growth amid packed international calendars.
History and foundation
Launched in 2017, the tournament quickly gained prestige. The inaugural edition saw the USWNT triumph over Germany, Brazil, and England. Memorable moments include Alex Morgan's hat-trick in 2018 against France and the 2020 final where the USA edged England 1-0 amid a global pandemic-shortened format. Fun fact: it's inspired similar events worldwide and often features rising nations alongside powerhouses, fostering diversity.
Tournament format
The event typically invites four elite national teams for a compact round-robin format over a week. Each team plays three matches, with the top two advancing to a final; others contest a third-place playoff. Hosted across US venues like EverBank Stadium, it emphasizes neutral fields and live broadcasts on major networks.
Interesting facts
Matches average 2.8 goals, reflecting tight defenses and clinical finishing. All-time top scorer is Sam Mewis with 5 goals. Standouts include Trinity Rodman’s flair and Lindsey Horan’s midfield dominance; alumni like Sophia Smith have transitioned to Olympic glory, underscoring the cup's role in talent pipelines.