US is out of Women’s World Cup after losing dramatic penalty shootout

We’ve wrapped up our live coverage for the day. You can relive the key moments from today’s match in the posts below, or read more on the Women’s World Cup here.

Megan Rapinoe controls the ball.

Megan Rapinoe cut an emotional figure as she watched her US team get knocked out of the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

The 38-year-old, who announced she would be retiring from the sport following the conclusion of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season in October, came on as a late substitute against Sweden but missed her penalty in the shootout.

Speaking after what could be her last ever game for the US team, soccer legend Rapinoe chose instead to remember the good times of competing for her country.

During her glittering international career, Rapinoe won Olympic gold at London 2012 and helped the US lift two World Cup trophies.

US players are seen dejected after a defeat to Sweden.

The US has set the highest of expectations for itself with its long dominance of women’s soccer, but completing a historic, unprecedented three-peat was always going to be difficult.

Winning three championships in a row is extremely hard to do at the professional club level in any sport, let alone the World Cup in international soccer – no nation has ever won three consecutive World Cups in either the men’s or women’s game.

The biggest enemies of sustained success in sports are waning motivation and, most often, time. The amount of effort, skill and sustained passion it takes to keep up success over a long period of time is beyond difficult and the years between World Cup editions only ratchet that tension up.

Professional teams have a hard enough time keeping a core championship group together and healthy for three consecutive years on a club level – the US women’s team attempted to do the same thing eight years after winning the 2015 World Cup. The legendary generation of players which won that tournament is largely gone – just five players from 2015 were on this tournament’s squad.

The teams that have pulled off three-peats are often legendary: The 1990s Chicago Bulls, the late 90s-early 00s New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers, the mid-century Boston Celtics and Montreal Canadiens, the New York Yankees (again) in the 1930s and 40s – all teams that live long in the consciousness of American sports fans.

Then Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos celebrates with the UEFA Champions League trophy following the final against Liverpool in Kyiv on May 26, 2018. It was Los Blancos' third consecutive European Cup - an unprecedented feat in the modern era.

But what about in men’s club and international soccer? Since 2000, only an iconic Real Madrid side led by Cristiano Ronaldo won three UEFA Champions Leagues in a row from 2016 to 2018, while Spain is the only country to ever win three major international championships in a row – Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 – and those were still two different competitions taking place every two years, not very comparable to what the US women attempted to do in winning three World Cups in a row.

Alyssa Naeher shows dejection after the her team's defeat through the penalty shootout.

It could have been very different for the US if the video assistant referee (VAR) hadn’t spotted that Sweden’s final penalty had gone over the line.

US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher thought she had saved Lina Hurtig’s effort but video replays showed the ball had narrowly crept over the line. It simply couldn’t have been any closer.

Naeher looked confused when referee Stéphanie Frappart awarded Sweden the win, before reality began to sink in.

“We just lost the World Cup by a millimeter,” Naeher told Fox Sports. “That’s tough.”

She added: “I’m proud of the fight of the team tonight. I think we knew that we hadn’t given our best in the group stage and we wanted a complete team performance. And the team came out, I thought we played great tonight.

Alex Morgan is seen crying as she reacts to her team being knocked out of the tournament after a penalty shoot out loss.

US forward Alex Morgan said she felt heartbroken after her team’s last-16 defeat to Sweden.

Speaking to FOX Sports after being knocked out of the Women’s World Cup, Morgan said she was “devastated.”

Morgan, who was replaced by Megan Rapinoe, described the mood in the team huddle after the loss.

“I think everyone just wanted to lean in on each other in the moment,” she added.

“It’s a really tough moment. This team was a really special team, you know. It’s a tough one to swallow.” 

When asked about her future, the 34-year-old Morgan remained coy.

“I don’t know, I was just so focused on the World Cup that I don’t know,” she said.

“I’m just ready to get back to San Diego and get back to work. We’ll go from there.”

A hard-fought battle between the US and Sweden came down to the last penalty shot by Sweden knocking out the two-time defending champion. See highlights from the match.

Sweden players celebrate the team's victory after defeating the US in a dramatic penalty shootout.

US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, right, hugs teammate Megan Rapinoe as Andi Sullivan, second from left, comforts Kelley O'Hara after their team was eliminated by Sweden.

Alex Morgan cries after the US was knocked out of the tournament during the team huddle after the match.

US forward Lynn Williams, left, and Sweden defender Jonna Andersson, right, fight for the ball.

US forward Alex Morgan, center, heads the ball during the match against Sweden.

US star Megan Rapinoe, who back in July announced her retirement at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, takes a corner kick against Sweden. It is likely her final World Cup match ever.

Julie Ertz is comforted after the US team was defeated in a penalty shootout.

Midfielder Julie Ertz told host broadcaster FOX Sports that the USA’s round-of-16 loss against Sweden is likely to be her last international match.

Ertz has won two Women’s World Cup titles during her glittering career with the USA, scoring 20 goals along the way.

Sweden's goalkeeper Zećira Mušović was the standout player of the match.

The US team had been heavily criticized for its performances going into Sunday’s round-of-16 match against Sweden but, despite its eventual defeat, the two-time reigning champion can be proud of its response.

Dominant for much of the match, the US outclassed its opponent and was only kept out by Sweden’s quite brilliant goalkeeper, Zećira Mušović.

On more than one occasion, Mušović produced a stunning save to prevent the Americans from scoring the all-important winner, forcing the game into a penalty shootout after it finished 0-0 after 120 minutes of play — 90 in regular time and 30 in extra-time.

In total, the US had 11 shots on target throughout the match, compared to Sweden’s solitary one.

But, in soccer, you have to make the most of your chances and the US failed to do so.

In the buildup to Sunday’s game, US striker Alex Morgan had identified the team’s lack of clinical edge as a problem and it proved fatal against Sweden.

The issue was highlighted in the penalty shootout. If Sophia Smith had scored her penalty, the US would be the team heading through to face Japan in the quarterfinals.

Instead, the young forward missed, giving Sweden a lifeline.

The match was eventually decided by the video assistant referee (VAR) which, after reviewing the action, deemed that Lina Hurtig’s winning penalty had crossed the line despite the US’ Alyssa Naeher initially appearing to save it.

Much will be made of the dramatic penalty shootout — which finished 5-4 to the Blågult — but, in truth, the US should have won the game way before.

A tough one to take for this American side, but it showed plenty of promise for the future.

Read the full match report here.

US first lady Jill Biden delivers remarks in the east room of the White House on May 16, in Washington, DC.

First lady Jill Biden, an avid fan of the US women’s soccer team, said the squad “inspired us” in a message following its loss at the World Cup. 

The United States crashed out of the Women’s World Cup after losing a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout against Sweden.

Biden had said in an earlier message that she would be waking up early to watch the match, which kicked off at 5 a.m. ET. 

The Bidens are longtime fans of the team and its leader Megan Rapinoe, whom the president awarded a Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — in 2022. 

The Bidens placed a billboard on the White House North Lawn cheering on the team as the World Cup got underway. 

Lindsey Horan reacts after their team was defeated.

US captain Lindsey Horan praised her team for playing “beautiful football” in its round-of-16 clash against Sweden and for its response to a series of disappointing performances in the group stage.

Looking ahead, she added that “being able to come out of the group stage where we didn’t play our best and changing it into this kind of performance, this is what this team is going to be made of with so many young players coming through.”

Horan led from the front for the US today, almost scoring twice but for the brilliance of Sweden’s goalkeeper Zećira Mušović.

Megan Rapinoe reacts to missing during the penalty kick shootout.

Megan Rapinoe will arguably feel this heartbreak more than most.

The US soccer icon announced she would retire at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, meaning this could be her final match for the US national team.

Rapinoe came on as a substitute against Sweden but failed to score her penalty in the shootout.

She has been at the heart of everything this team has done, both on and off the pitch, for years but that won’t help the disappointment of today’s defeat just yet.

Still, Rapinoe is sure to leave an indelible legacy, both on her nation and the sport.

In addition to her many on-field achievements, Rapinoe is well-known for her work on social issues, ranging from LGBTQ+ rights to racial inequality to gender and pay equity. In 2022, Rapinoe became the first soccer player to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

“I’ve watched her since I was 7 years old and to see what she’s done for the sport – I have the most respect for her,” said US fan Gia Díaz, who was watching the game from a New York bar.

“She’s going to leave a legacy and we’re going to continue to grow as feminine soccer players and I think it’s great.”

It was a sentiment echoed by fellow fan Tina Lordanou, who was watching from the same bar.

US coach Vlatko Andonovski comforts Lindsey Horan at the end of the game.

US coach Vlatko Andonovski praised his team’s “grit” and “bravery” after its heartbreaking loss to Sweden in a drama-filled penalty shootout.

The US had been dominant for large swathes of the game but could not get the ball past Sweden’s outstanding goalkeeper, Zećira Mušović.

“So proud of the team, of the women on the field,” Andonovski said. “I know we were criticized for the way we played and for different moments in the group stage. I think we came out today and showed what we’re all about, showed the grit, the resilience, the fight, the bravery.”

Ultimately, however, the US exited the World Cup, failing to reach at least the semifinals of this tournament for the first time in its history and ending the dream of a historic three-peat.

Sweden players celebrate the team's victory through the penalty shootout.

Heartbreak for the US and the three-peat dream has come to an end.

After dominating most of the match, the US is beaten by Sweden in a penalty shootout.

US forward Sophia Smith had the chance to win it for the two-time reigning champion, but was made to rue her missed spot-kick.

To make the defeat more painful for the US, Sweden’s winning penalty required the video assistant referee (VAR) to check whether it had gone over the line.

Lina Hurtig’s shot looked to have been saved by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher but video replays showed that it had just narrowly crossed the line by the narrowest of margins.

US players are in tears on the field as the Blågult celebrates.

Sweden goes through to the quarterfinals where it will face Japan.

Sweden wins the match and heads to the quarterfinals!

It was the most tense finish imaginable as it initially seemed like US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher had saved Lina Hurtig’s penalty – but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) showed that the ball had just inched over the line.

Kelley O’Hara misses for the US!

Sweden has the chance to win the match with its next penalty.

Sweden's Magdalena Eriksson scores her team's sixth penalty.

Tense, tense stuff here. One more penalty each. Magdalena Eriksson sends the ball into the top corner of the net as she stays ice cool under the pressure.

A goalkeeper scoring a penalty. This shootout has had it all.

Alyssa Naeher steps up and slams it home. 4-3 to the US!

Seden saves the match and we go to sudden-death penalties.

It’s brilliant from Hanna Bennison who sends the keeper the wrong way and we’re onto sudden death penalties!

Incredible stuff.

Sophia Smith had the chance to win it for the US, but she puts it wide.

The US keeper saves Sweden’s fourth!

Alyssa Naeher dives the right way and punches away Rebecka Blomqvist’s penalty to put her team on the brink of a World Cup quarterfinal.

The eyes of the world were on Megan Rapinoe as she walked up to take the fourth penalty for the US – and she shot it over the bar.

Could that be the last moment of her storied international career?

It’s missed! 3-2 to the US!

USA's Kristie Mewis scores her team's third penalty.

It’s 3-2 to the US.

Kristie Mewis was brought on purely to take a penalty and she shows why.

She puts her shot into the top corner.

2-2. Tense stuff.

Elin Rubensson makes no mistake with her effort and it remains all square in Melbourne as the tension ratchets up a notch.

It’s 2-1 for the Americans after Lindsey Horan slammed it home.

Horan has been arguably the best player on the field today and she doesn’t disappoint.

Sweden's Fridolina Rolfö scores her team's first penalty.

It’s 1-1 now. Fridolina Rolfö steps up and converts her side’s first penalty to keep Sweden level with the US.

USA's Andi Sullivan celebrates scoring her team's first penalty.

It’s 1-0 for the US after one penalty!

Andi Sullivan steps up and holds her nerve.

After 120 minutes, Sweden and the US are still tied 0-0 with a place in the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals at stake.

Unlike the games played during the group stage, this match can’t end in a draw and the winner will be decided by a penalty shootout.

What happens in a penalty shootout? Each team will take five shots from 12 yards in alternating fashion and whichever team scores the most goals from those kicks will advance.

If it stays level after five kicks each, then sudden death penalties will be taken to decide who progresses to the quarterfinals.

Drama at its finest.

No goals after 30 minutes of extra-time and this is now going to a penalty shootout.

Arguably one of the most drama-filled events in sport, anything can happen now.

Not much of a break between the two periods of extra-time and play has already kicked off.

Both teams have 15 minutes to find a winner or this is going to a dreaded penalty shootout.

This game needs a moment of magic. Will someone step up to the plate?

More of the same in the first period of extra-time.

The US is the only team that looks like scoring, but it can’t find a way past Sweden goalkeeper Zećira Mušović.

It has 15 minutes left to do so. If not, we are going to penalties and you wouldn’t bet against Mušović in her current form.

USA's Megan Rapinoe runs into the pitch.

Megan Rapinoe has come onto the pitch in the 99th minute to replace Alex Morgan in extra time as she seeks to make the difference in this scoreless match.

She runs onto the pitch accompanied by huge cheers from the crowd, marking what could possibly be her last ever Women’s World Cup match if the US is knocked out by Sweden.

It’s been an intense 90 minutes in Melbourne as the US has put the pressure on Sweden, but Blågult goalkeeper Zećira Mušović has been more than up to the task.

We’ve got two 15-minute halves coming up… with penalties possibly on the horizon.

The US will be hoping it doesn’t come to that, so let’s see if it keeps its foot on the gas. Let’s go!

USA's Alyssa Naeher collects the ball in traffic.

There is nothing to separate these two sides after 90 minutes of play as regulation time ends with the US and Sweden still tied at 0-0, and so we are heading to extra time for the first time at this Women’s World Cup!

Although the US created the majority of the match’s opportunities, it was unable to find the back of the net as a stunning save by Sweden goalkeeper Zećira Mušović prevented Lindsey Horan’s powerful strike from making the difference in the second half, before another brave effort from Mušović punched away Alex Morgan’s attempt in the dying minutes.

What happens now? Unlike the games played during the group stage, this match can’t end in a draw and a winner has to be decided by the end of the night.

The US and Sweden will now play two 15-minute halves in extra time. If no victor emerges at the end of the 30 minutes, the winner will be decided on penalty kicks.

In the penalty shootout, each team will have five shots from 12 yards and whichever team scores the most goals from those kicks will advance. If it stays level after five kicks, then sudden death penalties will be taken to decide who progresses to the quarterfinals.

Sweden’s goalkeeper Zećira Mušović has been immense today, and she once again keeps her team in the World Cup.

This time, she denies Alex Morgan, who must have thought her header in the 89th minute was going in.

But, as she has done on many occasions in this match, Mušović was equal to it.

US player Lindsey Horan plays the ball under pressure from Sweden's Elin Rubensson.

This is what we’re used to seeing from a US team at a Women’s World Cup.

The Americans are all over Sweden in Melbourne and look really dangerous.

But, despite all its dominance, the US has so far failed to find a way past Sweden’s goalkeeper, who has been immense.

The US may be the better team, but it just takes a moment of magic from Sweden and the two-time reigning champion will be going home.

It needs to take one of its chances… and soon.

USA's Megan Rapinoe warms up at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Megan Rapinoe has begun warming up as she prepares to possibly enter the fray in her last ever round-of-16 match at the Women’s World Cup.

The US soccer legend, who has already won two World Cup titles, announced before the tournament that she will retire at the end of this season.

If the US loses today and is knocked out of the tournament, it will be her last ever Women’s World Cup match too.

Can she make the difference in this match against Sweden with the scores still locked at 0-0?

A simply stunning save from Sweden’s goalkeeper Zećira Mušović.

The US has started this second half really well and Lindsey Horan, who hit the crossbar in the first half, thought she had given her country the lead.

The American hits her shot so well, but Mušović shows lightning-quick reflexes to keep the ball out of the net.

You feel a goal is coming for the Americans, but they need to find a way past Sweden’s goalkeeper.

It’s 57 minutes in and it’s been riveting despite the goalless scoreline.

USA's Sophia Smith and Sweden's Elin Rubensson compete for the ball.

We’re back underway in this intriguing round-of-16 clash as both sides look to break the 0-0 deadlock in the second half.

The US came closest to taking the lead in the first half, with only the width of the crossbar preventing Lindsey Horan’s header from finding the back of the net, while Trinity Rodman has created several half-chances with her speed proving difficult for the Swedish defense.

Remember, whoever loses this match goes home, and whoever wins, keeps the dream alive.

Can the US finally find a breakthrough in the next 45 minutes? We’ll find out.

The US' Sophia Smith controls the ball against Sweden's Nathalie Björn.

If this scoreline between the US and Sweden remains tied at the full-time whistle, the game will head to extra time – and then potentially a penalty shootout.

Unlike the games played during the group stage, this match can’t end in a draw and a winner has to be decided by the end of the night.

The US and Sweden will play two 15-minute halves in extra time. If no victor emerges at the end of the 30 minutes, the winner will be decided on penalty kicks.

In the penalty shootout, each team will have five shots from 12 yards and whichever team scores the most goals from those kicks will advance. If it stays level after five kicks, then sudden death penalties will be taken to decide who progresses to the quarterfinals.

It’s still very early in the United States, so if you just woke up and realized the US is playing Sweden, here’s how you can watch the thrilling encounter between two giants of women’s soccer.

How to watch:

The match is at half-time at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.

In the US, the match is airing on your local Fox channel. You can also stream the contest by signing in with your TV provider at foxsports.com or on the Fox Sports app.

Telemundo and Peacock are providing Spanish-language coverage.

Watching abroad? ViaPlay is airing the match in Sweden, and you can find a full breakdown of media rights holders in each country is available on the FIFA website.

Lindsey Horan heads the ball.

The referee brings the first half to an end and Sweden will be relieved.

The Blågult barely touched the ball for the last 10 minutes, with the US stamping its authority onto the game.

Lindsey Horan hit the crossbar and Trinity Rodman saw a shot saved, but no breakthrough yet.

The Americans had been woeful before this game, but they are now starting to click.

Sweden will look to use the half-time break to recompose itself.

Lindsey Horan heads against the crossbar.

That was almost the breakthrough!

The US takes a corner into the box and Lindsey Horan rises above Sweden’s defenders to get her head to the ball.

She makes great contact, but her shot crashes off the crossbar with less than 10 minutes to go in the first half.

So close to the opener…

Trinity Rodman in action.

The score remains tied, but US star Trinity Rodman is looking very dangerous.

The 21-year-old’s pace is proving really troubling for Sweden and she’s already had two shots on target.

Her first was a little tentative, but her second attempt forced a really good save from Sweden goalkeeper Zećira Mušović.

Rodman is one of those Americans making her World Cup debut at the tournament, but she’s looking more composed than most today.

More than 30 minutes into the game, there’s been some great soccer on display.

US star Alex Morgan and Sweden's Eseosa Aigbogun compete for the ball.

Already, this US team seems more fluent than the one that took to the field for that 0-0 draw against Portugal in its last group stage match of the tournament.

The US has been stringing together passes and probing the Swedish defense even as the opening exchanges of this last-16 clash remain finely poised.

Though Sweden looks very strong at the moment, the US is rising to the occasion.

United States' Crystal Dunn, left, and Sweden's Stina Blackstenius vie for the ball.

Neither side has taken control of the game so far.

Sweden looks slightly more confident on the ball, but all signs point toward a very close match between these two powerhouses of women’s soccer.

The US’ wide players, Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith, look dangerous when allowed to run at the Swedish defense, but no breakthrough for either team yet.

Trinity Rodman of the United States celebrates scoring during the second half of an international friendly against Wales at PayPal Park on July 9, 2023 in San Jose, California. 

Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman has not been at her brilliant best throughout the Women’s World Cup and was replaced in the US starting lineup in its last game against Portugal.

Fans of the US squad will be hoping that Rodman will be able to recapture her form from the build-up to this summer’s tournament. The 21-year-old scored a brace against Wales including a curling effort from outside the box.

For those unfamiliar with Rodman, her dad is former NBA star Dennis Rodman. Dennis famously three-peated with the Chicago Bulls and Trinity will be key if the US is to complete a historic World Cup three-peat.

Sophia Smith of the U.S. in action with Sweden's Stina Blackstenius.

The anthems have wrapped, the fans are screaming, the whistle has blown and the game is underway in Melbourne.

A huge game for both nations and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

The winner goes through to the quarterfinals and the loser goes home.

Let’s see what this potentially thrilling encounter shows us.

The win-or-go-home match between the US and Sweden is just under 15 minutes away.

It’s early in the United States, so go brew a cup of coffee (or five) and get ready for some scintillating soccer.

Here’s how to tune in:

The match kicks off at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, at 5 a.m. ET.

In the US, the match will air on your local Fox channel. You can also stream the contest by signing in with your TV provider at foxsports.com or on the Fox Sports app.

Telemundo and Peacock are providing Spanish-language coverage.

Watching abroad? ViaPlay will air the match in Sweden, and you can find a full breakdown of media rights holders in each country is available on the FIFA website.

US star Carli Lloyd lifts the trophy as the team celebrates victory during the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final against the Netherlands at Stade de Lyon on July 7 in Lyon, France.

Every dynasty has a beginning, that someone or something which sets in motion the line of succession; the visionary with the ambitious plan, aiming for a future others think fanciful; the iron-willed followers bringing it to fruition, leaving unshakable foundations from which others can build.

Anson Dorrance knew he was a pioneer during his eight years as head coach of the US Women’s National Team (USWNT). It was obvious, he says. “You’re trying to do things that have never been done,” he tells CNN Sport.

Any understanding of how and why the US is women’s soccer’s dominant force, a four-time Women’s World Cup winner and favorite to win this edition currently taking place in Australia and New Zealand, must start with Dorrance, the groundbreaker and the bricklayer.

When Dorrance took charge of the national team in 1986, training camps were rare and winning rarer. Trophies? That would have been an absurd thought – not that there were many tournaments for female soccer players to compete in.

This was the late 1980s, when US players would sew badges onto their oversized hand-me-down kits from the men’s national team, buy their own cleats, and receive $10 a day when on national duty. There was no money to be made and only one person had thoughts of world domination.

So how did the US go from this to the most dominant soccer team in the world? That story involves the “game-changing” Title IX, a fight for equal pay and the USA’s “secret sauce,” and you can read it here.

These are the women fighting for a place in the World Cup quarterfinals on Sunday.

The US will have to do it without Rose Lavelle, who misses the game because of a suspension – the 28-year-old picked up two yellow cards in the group stage so has to miss this game.

Who will be the hero? Who will be the villain? Not long before we find out.

US starting 11:

Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher

Defenders: Naomi Girma, Emily Sonnett, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox

Midfielders: Julie Ertz, Lindsey Horan, Andi Sullivan

Forwards: Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman

Sweden starting 11:

Goalkeeper: Zećira Mušović

Defenders: Jonna Andersson, Magdalena Eriksson, Amanda Ilestedt, Nathalie Björn

Midfielders: Kosovare Asllani, Filippa Angeldal, Fridolina Rolfö, Johanna Kaneryd, Elin Rubensson

Forwards: Stina Blackstenius

Lindsey Horan, right, gives a five to Alex Morgan during the Portugal match on Tuesday.

Before we kick off, a reminder that this US team is attempting to do the unprecedented, near-impossible feat of completing a three-peat at this Women’s World Cup.

Winning three championships in a row is extremely hard to do at the professional club level in any sport, let alone the World Cup in international soccer – no nation has ever won three consecutive World Cups in either the men’s or women’s game.

The biggest enemies of sustained success in sports are waning motivation and, most often, time. The amount of effort, skill and sustained passion it takes to keep up success over a long period of time is beyond difficult and the years between World Cup editions only ratchet that tension up.

Professional teams have a hard enough time keeping a core championship group together and healthy for three consecutive years on a club level – the US women’s team is attempting to do the same thing eight years after winning the 2015 World Cup. The legendary generation of players which won that tournament is largely gone – just five players from 2015 remain on the squad in this tournament.

The teams that have pulled off three-peats are often legendary: The 1990s Chicago Bulls, the late 90s-early 00s New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers, the mid-century Boston Celtics and Montreal Canadiens, the New York Yankees (again) in the 1930s and 40s – all teams that live long in the consciousness of American sports fans.

The Spain national men's team won three consecutive major international tournaments in 2012 - the only time in history a men's or women's team has achieved the feat in soccer.

But what about in men’s club and international soccer? Since 2000, only an iconic Real Madrid side led by Cristiano Ronaldo won three UEFA Champions Leagues in a row from 2016 to 2018, while Spain is the only country to ever win three major international championships in a row – Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 – and those were still two different competitions taking place every two years, not very comparable to what the US women are attempting to do in winning three World Cups in a row.

This US Women’s National Team still has a path – albeit one that might be rockier and steeper than most observers expected even two weeks ago – to join those legendary ranks. If they pull it off, perhaps the disappointing draws from the 2023 tournament’s group stage will be seen as a case of survive-and-advance.

Sweden's Rebecka Blomqvist, left, celebrates after scoring her side's 5th goal during the match against Italy in Wellington, New Zealand, on July 29.

Both Sweden and the US have had very different experiences at this year’s Women’s World Cup.

While the Americans have come under fire for their poor performances, the Swedes have been steadily impressing.

The world No. 3 sailed through its group with ease, defeating South Africa, Italy and Argentina.

It scored nine goals in the group stage – five of them against Italy – and conceded just once.

It is a run of form that has breathed confidence into Sweden midfielder Johanna Kaneryd.

US defender Naomi Girma answers questions from journalists during a news conference on July 24.

One positive for the US this tournament has been the form of defender Naomi Girma, who has been pivotal to the defending champion conceding just one goal in three matches even as it has endured an underwhelming group stage.

Despite only turning 23 in June, Girma’s list of accolades is already impressive, having picked up the 2022 NWSL rookie of the year award as well as NWSL defender of the year for her exploits with the San Diego Wave.

Girma juggled her soccer career with studying at Stanford, where she majored in management science and engineering. She was also a three-time team captain (2019-21) for Stanford’s soccer team.

Speaking to CNN Sport ahead of the tournament, Girma noted the influence that Black women in traditionally less diverse sports had on her growing up and explained her ambition to do the same for the next generation.

“I can remember watching Simone Manuel, Simone Biles, Serena Williams just dominate their sports, and being Black women in sports that typically didn’t see a lot of women of color competing was always super inspirational to me,” the San Jose native said.

You can read Girma’s full interview with CNN here.

US head coach Vlatko Andonovski speaks at a press conference at Eden Park on July 31 in Auckland, New Zealand.

US coach Vlatko Andonovski defended his team from criticism ahead of the round-of-16 Women’s World Cup knockout clash against Sweden, telling reporters on Saturday that he didn’t think “it’s the right time” to question their mindset.

“For someone again to question the standards, the mentality, the mindset of this team after everything that they do, first, I don’t think it’s the right time for that and, second, I don’t think it’s the right thing as well,” he said before Sunday’s crunch match in Melbourne, Australia.

“They keep raising the standards from day to day, and in terms of the competition and what everything is happening, I mean we want to blow every team out [by] five goals, who doesn’t want to do that, right? But those results are gone. I mean they’re not going to happen.”

Former players and pundits have criticized the US following its underwhelming performances so far in this year’s Women’s World Cup. A defeat to Portugal, which would have resulted in a calamitous exit in the group stage, was narrowly avoided only when a late Iberian attempt on goal ricocheted off the post in a match that ended in a draw, securing the defending champion’s progress to the knockout stages.

You can read everything that Andonovski and captain Lindsey Horan had to say here.

US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher makes a save during the match against Portugal at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 1.

It’s been a bumpy start for the US in its mission to become the first soccer team — men’s or women’s — to win three consecutive World Cup titles.

It only scraped through the group stage by the skin of its teeth and has failed to impress in any of its three games in Australia and New Zealand so far.

Striker Alex Morgan listed the lack of clinical finishing at the tournament as the main cause of the team’s woes.

“You know, I feel like it’s taking advantage of the chances that we have,” Morgan told reporters after the dour 0-0 draw to Portugal in its last game.

“We created enough to put the ball in the back of the net.”

At the 2019 World Cup, the US scored 18 goals in its three group stage matches, compared to just four at this year’s edition, though 13 of them came in a famous win over Thailand. 

This US squad also contains 14 World Cup debutants and blending them in seems to have taken a toll on the usual ruthless efficiency of the team.

TNT soccer analyst and the US soccer great Julie Foudy told CNN that the players “just haven’t been clicking.”

“The thing I keep coming back to is it doesn’t feel like there is a lot of chemistry,” she added.

Read more on the US’ struggles here.

Chris Woolf (left) and Susie Quesada rock their US pride at the Netherlands game earlier on Sunday.

Earlier on Sunday, the Netherlands beat South Africa 2-0 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.

Among the crowd were many US fans who had booked tickets for the game on the assumption that the two-time reigning champion would win its group.

The US squad would have been playing South Africa in Sydney if it had done so — instead, it’s playing Sweden in Melbourne.

Some who made the mistake, like Sheila Mersin from New Mexico, are “happy to watch good soccer,” regardless of who is playing.

Others, like Susie Quesada and Chris Woolf from San Francisco, contemplated going to see the US play in Melbourne, but it became a question of cost. 

“The juice wasn’t worth the squeeze,” Woolf said. “We wanted to check out Sydney anyways.” 

While they weren’t able to support the US in person, the duo came to the other last 16 match decked out head-to-toe in matching USA gear.

They plan to cheer the team on while watching on television from Sydney.

Sophia Smith (2nd R) of the US celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's first goal during the match against Vietnam at Eden Park on July 22 in Auckland, New Zealand.

All eyes are on the reigning World Cup champion this Sunday as it faces Sweden in the knockout round.

While the US was heavily favored ahead of the tournament, the team came within inches of being eliminated during the group stages.

But Justin Brunken, co-founder of the non-profit US soccer supporter group American Outlaws, has faith the team will bounce back better than before.

“This team can defend with the best teams in the world, and if they can start clicking up top, then our chances are good.

“It’s one game at a time!”

One concern many fans have going into Sunday’s game is the team’s lack of goals.

During the 2019 World Cup, the US exited the group stage with 18 goals under its belt.

This year, the squad has scored only four.

But Brunken does not think that should deter the US women.

“This will be won on few goals, so if we can keep them scoreless, then we got this,” he said. 

US midfielder Lindsey Horan warms up pre-match against Vietnam at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, on July 22.

Lindsey Horan has rejected criticism of how the US has been performing at the Women’s World Cup, labeling it as “noise.”

The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) played to a 0-0 draw with Portugal on Tuesday, a result that helped the four-time world champion finish as runner-up in Group E and advance to the Group of 16.

But the Americans came painfully close to exiting the tournament when Portugal substitute Ana Capeta hit the goalpost in the dying moments of the game — the only thing separating them from a shocking exit.

One of those pundits was two-time World Cup winner and former USWNT player Carli Lloyd, who quipped on the FOX broadcast that “the player of the match was that post” – a reference to Portugal’s near-miss. Her former teammates were “lucky to not be going home right now,” Lloyd said.

“You guys are all watching us. Everyone in the world gets to have their opinion. And it’s the World Cup, you know, it’s the biggest stage,” added Horan, as she looked ahead to the team’s knockout match against Sweden on Sunday.

Read more from her comments here.

US fans react during the group stage match between the United States and the Netherlands in Wellington, New Zealand, on July 27.

In the shadow of Auckland’s Eden Park stadium, a neighborhood watering hole has become a home away from home for the hordes of American fans who have traveled thousands of miles to cheer on the US team at the Women’s World Cup.

The Morningside Tavern, a cavernous bar with a sprawling outdoor patio, hosted more than a thousand US supporters Tuesday for a pregame gathering held by the American Outlaws, according to the non-profit supporter group, which has more than 200 chapters across the United States.

“To see this turnout is really fantastic,” said St. Paul, Minnesota, native Mike Householder, as he waited in line to get into the packed bar. “It’s a long way [to travel]. When we went to Canada [for the 2015 World Cup], of course, there were a lot of Yanks there, but this is New Zealand.”

Standing beside him, wearing a foam Statue of Liberty crown, US supporter Suzanne Rivera agreed.

Mike Householder and Suzanne Rivera outside the Morningside Tavern in Auckland, New Zealand, on August 1.

Ahead of kick-off for the big game against Portugal, the atmosphere builds.

Fans cycle in and out of the bar as US classics like “Life is a Highway” and “Cotton-eyed Joe” blare over the loudspeakers. The line of fans decked out in their best red, white and blue outfits extends more than halfway down the block.

It all adds up to what bar manager Dave Gunn calls the “authentic” American atmosphere.

“It was great for us … to feel part of that carnival tournament atmosphere and be also like the home of the USA during the pregame.”

About 15,000 US fans were expected to travel to New Zealand for the World Cup, CNN affiliate Radio New Zealand reported in July, citing the country’s government.

Read more here: On the road with thousands of American soccer fans at the World Cup.

Elin Rubensson of Sweden celebrates with teammates after scoring her team's second goal during the against Argentina at Waikato Stadium on August 2, 2023, in Hamilton, New Zealand.

While a 2-0 victory over Argentina last Wednesday was not the Swedish women’s national team’s most scintillating performance, the world No. 3 in FIFA’s rankings exercised considerable control, dominating possession throughout.

Four of Sweden’s nine goals at the tournament have come from headers, including one against the South American team, but a coolly executed penalty kick from substitute Elin Rubensson is what wrapped up the Scandinavian team’s victory.

Sweden knew before the game that its date with destiny against the US was all but sealed: it would have required a 10-goal swing between themselves and Italy to surrender top spot in the group. But the team looked determined to finish as smoothly as possible ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the four-time World Cup champion.

This will be the seventh World Cup meeting between the two teams and the first in the knockout stages, according to FIFA.

The US has won four of the previous six World Cup meetings, but Sweden won the last meeting between the two teams in July 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics – a 3-0 win in the group stage.

Sweden also played to a draw with the US in 2015 and beat the Americans in 2011 – the last time any team defeated the the US inside regulation time (as opposed to by penalty kicks) at a World Cup.

The US defeated the Scandinavian side in the group stage in 2019.

Diehard US soccer fans are going to start their Sunday early, with a 5 a.m. ET kickoff for the must-win matchup between Sweden and the US women.

Brew a cup of coffee — here’s how to tune in:

The match kicks off at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, at 5 a.m. ET.

In the US, the match will air on your local Fox channel. You can also stream the contest by signing in with your TV provider at foxsports.com or on the Fox Sports app.

Telemundo and Peacock are providing Spanish-language coverage.

Watching abroad? ViaPlay will air the match in Sweden, and you can find a full breakdown of media rights holders in each country is available on the FIFA website.