Japan's 2011 Title Meant More Than Football

Japan won the 2011 World Cup four months after the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, beating the United States on penalties in the final. They were the first Asian nation to win a senior FIFA World Cup. Captain Homare Sawa took both the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot.

The First Women's World Cup

The inaugural tournament was held in China in 1991 and won by the United States. Michelle Akers scored 10 goals across six matches, including both goals in the final against Norway.