The United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) secured their fifth Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer, defeating Brazil 1-0 in the final match of the Paris 2024 Games. Mallory Swanson’s goal in the 57th minute of the second half proved decisive at Parc des Princes.
This victory marks the USWNT’s first gold medal since the 2012 London Olympics and concludes an undefeated run through the tournament under new coach Emma Hayes. Goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher played a crucial role, making a one-handed save on Adriana’s header in stoppage time to preserve the win.
For Brazil and their star player Marta, the loss represents another missed opportunity at Olympic glory. The six-time world player of the year has yet to win a Women’s World Cup or an Olympic gold medal in what is expected to be her final major international tournament.
This victory continues the USWNT’s dominance over Brazil in Olympic finals, marking their third such win following successes in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. Brazil has never finished better than silver in Olympic women’s soccer.
The gold medal performance represents a significant improvement for the US team, who settled for bronze in Tokyo 2020 and were eliminated in the quarterfinals at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games.
Swanson’s winning goal came in her 100th appearance for the national team, adding personal significance to the historic victory. Notable figures in attendance included actor Tom Cruise and former US soccer star Megan Rapinoe.
This gold medal adds to the USWNT’s impressive Olympic record, which began with their victory in the inaugural women’s soccer tournament at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
The match, played before a packed stadium in Paris, showcased the continued global appeal of women’s soccer and the USWNT’s enduring success on the international stage.
