It's astonishing to realize that 25 years have passed since the United States women's national soccer team achieved a remarkable victory over China in the thrilling final match of the 1999 Women's World Cup. However, the enduring impact of that win on women's sports is undeniable.
On July 10, 1999, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the USWNT emerged triumphant against China in the championship game of the Women's World Cup. Iconic players such as Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain, Briana Scurry, and Julie Foudy spearheaded the team to victory after a grueling 120 minutes of regulation play and overtime, culminating in the unforgettable penalty shootout that clinched the title.
Brandi Chastain, taking the final penalty kick, famously removed her jersey after scoring the winning shot, resulting in one of the most iconic images in women's sports: her jubilantly celebrating on her knees, wearing her sports bra and clutching her jersey in her hand.
Prior to their 1999 victory, the team had also claimed the trophy in 1991, and since then, they have secured two additional World Cup victories: in 2015 and 2019.
Now, a quarter-century later, the team, affectionately dubbed the "'99ers," will reunite and be honored this summer to commemorate the 25th anniversary of their historic triumph.
On March 22, teammates Chastain and Scurry exclusively revealed the news during the 3rd hour of YEPPOST.
"It’s going to be a glorious afternoon. We’re so excited," Chastain expressed.
Chastain also acknowledged Scurry's pivotal save when the third Chinese kicker attempted her penalty shot during the 1999 match.
"Briana's save on that third kicker was monumental and I don't think talked enough about, and it made the final PK happen," she emphasized.
"There was something about that third kicker — I knew that was the one I was going to save," Scurry recalled. "I can't explain it."
Here's everything you need to know about the team's upcoming reunion at the "Impact 99" legacy match.
When and where will the 'Impact 99' legacy match take place?
On March 22, U.S. Soccer issued a press release announcing that the 1999 Women's World Cup team would be commemorated during the 25th anniversary of their victory on Saturday, July 13, as part of an Impact Legacy Match.
Presented by New York Life, these matches will be held annually, spotlighting pivotal games in U.S. Soccer history that have positively influenced both the women's and men's national teams.
The "Impact 99" match in July will be hosted at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, where the current USWNT will face off against Mexico in their penultimate game before departing for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"This presents an opportunity for fans to demonstrate their support for the team prior to their journey to France, while also honoring our 1999 Women's World Cup Team," remarked U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, who herself was a member of the victorious 1999 World Cup squad, in the press release.
"This group of women made significant contributions to the sport, and the impact of their achievements is still palpable 25 years later, especially as we pursue hosting the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. I eagerly anticipate reuniting with my teammates and friends," she added.
How to get tickets to the 'Impact 99' legacy match
Soccer enthusiasts have the opportunity to participate in ticket presales for the USWNT vs. Mexico match beginning on Monday, March 25. Fans can join as U.S. Soccer Insiders to access tickets before they're available to the general public, with membership being free for Standard Insiders. The presales will conclude on Friday, March 29, at 8 a.m. ET.
Here's the presale schedule:
- Circle Insiders Presale (Circle Insiders): Monday, March 25, at 10 a.m. local venue time
- VIP Insiders Presale (VIP Insiders): Tuesday, March 26, at 10 a.m. local venue time
- Premium Insiders Presale (Premium & Premium Family Insiders): Wednesday, March 27, at 10 a.m. local venue time
- Standard Insiders Presale (Standard Insiders): Thursday, March 28, at 10 a.m. local venue time
- Visa Presale (Visa cardholders only): Thursday, March 28, at 1 p.m. local venue time
The public sale will begin Friday, March 29, at 10 a.m. local venue time.
How to watch the 'Impact 99' legacy match
At 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 13, soccer enthusiasts can tune in to watch the USWNT face off against Mexico in their second-to-last game before the Summer Olympics.
This "Impact 99" match will be broadcasted and streamed on TNT, truTV, Telemundo, Universo, Max, and Peacock.
Who was on the 1999 US women's national soccer team roster?
The USWNT that competed in the 1999 Women's World Cup were under the guidance of coach Tony DiCicco. Below is the list of players who were part of that roster:
- Mia Hamm
- Brandi Chastain
- Briana Scurry
- Julie Foudy
- Kristine Lilly
- Joy Fawcett
- Tiffeny Milbrett
- Carla Overbeck
- Michelle Akers
- Kristin Luckenbill
- Cindy Parlow
- Shannon MacMillan
- Kate Sobrero
- Lorrie Fair
- Christie Rampone (then known as Christie Pearce)
- Sara Whalen
- Tiffany Roberts
- Shannon Boxx
- Danielle Fotopoulos
- Tracy Ducar
- Saskia Webber
- Sara Whalen
- Lorrie Fair