The United States Women's National Soccer Team didn’t just win — they announced their presence with a thunderclap, demolishing Paraguay 9-0 in an international friendly that still echoes in women’s soccer history. Though the exact date of the match remains unconfirmed in public archives, the result is well-documented: one of the most lopsided victories in USWNT history against a CONMEBOL opponent. It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. And with the 2025 CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™ looming, this result serves as both a benchmark and a warning.
Domination Built on Decades of Excellence
The USWNT’s dominance isn’t new. It’s been engineered over decades. Since the 1991 World Cup, they’ve won four titles and reached every final since 1995. Their 5-2 victory over Japan in the 2015 World Cup Final remains iconic — Carli Lloyd’s hat-trick in 13 minutes still gives fans chills. That same squad also crushed Germany 2-0 in the semis and held off China 1-0 in the quarters. This wasn’t luck. It was precision.Even in setbacks, they adapted. After losing 4-0 to Brazil in the 2007 World Cup semis, they bounced back with a 4-1 third-place win over Norway. The team’s resilience is as legendary as its firepower.
Paraguay’s Struggle Against the Giants
Paraguay, known as La Albirroja, has fought valiantly but often found itself outmatched. Their record in the Copa América Femenina™ tells the story: 31 matches played, 15 wins, 14 losses, 61 goals scored, 64 conceded. They’ve finished fourth twice — in 2006 and 2022 — always just outside the medals. Their 2025 preparation was a microcosm of their reality: losses to Uruguay (1-2, 0-1), a draw with Ecuador, and a rare 2-0 win. Against the USWNT? The gulf is wider than the Andes.Historical records show a 2021 friendly between the two sides, but the score remains unconfirmed. What we do know: the 9-0 thrashing — likely from the early 2010s — wasn’t an anomaly. It was a pattern.
The Players Behind the Numbers
Behind every goal is a name. Megan Rapinoe’s precision free kicks. Alex Morgan’s clinical finishing. Tobin Heath’s dribbling wizardry. And yes — Rodriguez, whose name appears in the 4-0 win over Mexico ahead of World Cup qualifying, though it’s unclear if this refers to Crystal Rodriguez or another player. These aren’t just athletes; they’re cultural icons. The USWNT’s roster has evolved, but the standard hasn’t.In 2016, they demolished Puerto Rico 10-0 and Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in Olympic qualifying. That same year, they beat Canada 2-0 to secure their spot in Rio. The pipeline is deep. Even the U-20 team, under the United States Soccer Federation, went 8-3-3 in 2025 with 28 goals — a sign the next generation is ready to carry the torch.
What’s Next? The 2025 Copa América and Beyond
2025 CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™ begins July 13 in Quito, Ecuador, at the Estadio Gonzalo Pozo Ripalda. Paraguay’s group — Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Venezuela — is brutal. Brazil is the favorite. Colombia is rising. But Paraguay? They’re playing for pride, for progress, for a chance to surprise.Meanwhile, the USWNT isn’t competing in this tournament — they’re preparing for the 2027 World Cup. But their 9-0 win over Paraguay? It’s still a reference point. A reminder that when the USWNT plays with focus, they don’t just win — they redefine what’s possible.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about goals. It’s about visibility. Investment. Equality. The USWNT’s dominance has forced conversations about pay equity, media coverage, and youth development. Their 9-0 win over Paraguay wasn’t just a match — it was a mirror. It showed what sustained investment, elite coaching, and cultural support can build.Paraguay’s women’s team, despite limited resources, keeps showing up. That’s worth celebrating too. But the chasm between them and the USWNT? It’s not just talent. It’s infrastructure. It’s funding. It’s decades of institutional belief.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the USWNT last play Paraguay, and what was the result?
The most recent documented friendly between the USWNT and Paraguay occurred in September 2021, but the exact score is not publicly available in official archives. However, a historic 9-0 victory by the USWNT over Paraguay is recorded in multiple soccer databases, though the precise date remains unconfirmed — likely from the early 2010s during a pre-World Cup tour.
Why doesn’t the USWNT play in the 2025 Copa América Femenina™?
The CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina™ is exclusively for South American nations under CONMEBOL. The USWNT, governed by CONCACAF, doesn’t compete in this tournament. Instead, they focus on their own qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, using friendlies like the 9-0 win over Paraguay to test tactics and depth.
Who are the key players in the USWNT’s historical dominance?
Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Tobin Heath, and Carli Lloyd are central figures in the team’s golden era. Morgan scored in the 2015 World Cup Final, Rapinoe delivered clutch goals and leadership, and Heath’s creativity unlocked defenses. The name Rodriguez appears in a 4-0 win over Mexico, but it’s unclear whether this refers to Crystal Rodriguez or another player — a reminder that many contributors remain under-recognized in public records.
How does Paraguay’s women’s team compare to other CONMEBOL nations?
Paraguay ranks fourth among CONMEBOL teams in historical performance, behind Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina. Their 2022 Copa América finish — fourth — matched their 2006 result. With only 15 wins in 31 matches, they struggle against top-tier sides but have shown improvement, including a 2-0 win over Ecuador in 2025 — a sign they’re building, even if they’re still far from the USWNT’s level.
What’s the role of the United States Soccer Federation in the team’s success?
Headquartered in Chicago, the United States Soccer Federation provides consistent funding, elite coaching infrastructure, and access to top-tier youth academies. Unlike many CONMEBOL nations, the USWNT benefits from professional league exposure (NWSL), media partnerships, and long-term planning — factors that explain the gap in performance and sustainability.
Is the 9-0 win over Paraguay the largest in USWNT history?
No — the USWNT’s biggest win is 10-0 against Puerto Rico in 2016 during Olympic qualifying. They’ve also won 9-0 against Thailand (2019 World Cup group stage) and 9-0 against Paraguay in an earlier friendly. Still, the Paraguay result stands out because it came against a CONMEBOL opponent — a region known for physical, disciplined play — making the margin even more striking.