US women’s football team Win Gold, Claiming Back Their Crown

The United States women’s football team has secured a record-extending fifth Olympic gold medal, their first since 2012, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final held in south-west Paris. Mallory Swanson’s decisive goal in the 58th minute broke open a tense match, sealing the win for the Americans on a sunny afternoon.

This triumph comes just one year after the US team’s disappointing World Cup exit, where they scored only four goals in as many games, leading many to question if they had lost their dominance in women’s football. However, under new coach Emma Hayes, who has led the team through nine undefeated matches, the Americans have returned to the top, reaffirming their status as the sport’s gold standard.

“I’m very emotional. It’s been a dream of mine to be in this position,” Hayes said after the match. “I have to thank my dad because he’s the one who pushed me to this point. Coaching this unbelievable group of players has been a privilege—they’re tremendous people, players, and role models. I love them.”

Despite entering the final as favorites, the US women’s team struggled for nearly an hour, having already endured extra-time battles in both the quarter-finals and semi-finals. However, their rejuvenated attack, led by Swanson, Trinity Rodman, and Sophia Smith—nicknamed “Triple Espresso”—and a solid defense anchored by 24-year-old center-back Naomi Girma, ultimately made the difference. Girma, one of the few bright spots from last summer’s World Cup, further established herself as one of the world’s top defenders.

Brazil, underdogs after barely advancing from the group stage, started strong, nearly scoring multiple times in the opening minutes. Ludmila had several close attempts, including a disallowed goal for offside and a near miss from a cross by Gabi Portilho. The US, pressured by Brazil’s relentless attack and the fervent crowd, found themselves on the back foot.

The breakthrough for the US women came in the 58th minute when Korbin Albert, the only change from the semi-final win over Germany, delivered a perfectly timed through ball to Swanson, who calmly slotted it past Brazil’s goalkeeper Lorena, marking her 100th international appearance in style. Swanson’s goal was her fourth of the Olympics, capping a successful partnership with Rodman and Smith, who together accounted for 10 of the team’s 12 goals during the tournament.

Brazil introduced veteran Marta in a bid to turn the tide, but the Americans, emboldened by their lead, continued to create chances. Marta, in what could be her final major international appearance, did everything in her power to push Brazil towards an equalizer, including a dangerous free kick in the 88th minute that narrowly missed the target.

In the dying moments of the match, US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who had kept clean sheets throughout the knockout stages, made a crucial acrobatic save to deny Adriana’s header, preserving the win and sparking celebrations among the US fans. Just over a year after their shocking World Cup exit, the US team has completed a dramatic turnaround, with the victory celebrated joyously on the field, while veteran Megan Rapinoe, watching from the stands, pumped her fist in triumph.