Investigative sports journalist Jessica Luther joins The Waves podcast to discuss the Women's World Cup, highlighting what players to watch, nationalism versus misogyny, Megan Rapinoe's retirement, and the strength of the US women's soccer team.
The Women's World Cup is not only an exciting sporting event, but also a platform for pushing for pay equity in women's soccer and promoting women's sports globally.
The success of the US women's soccer team can be attributed in part to Title IX and the presence of collegiate programs, which have created a strong foundation and pipeline for talented players.
Deep dives
The Women's World Cup: A Global Spectacle of Soccer
The Women's World Cup, considered a world event, is set to take place, with the United States as the most dominant team. The US women's team will be aiming for a historic three-peat, having won in 2015 and 2019. However, this year's tournament is wide open, as other strong teams like Germany, England, and Australia are ready to challenge the US. The tournament also showcases remarkable individual talents like Marta from Brazil and Sam Kerr from Australia. The Women's World Cup is not only an exciting sporting event, but also a platform for pushing for pay equity in women's soccer and promoting women's sports globally.
The Rise of Women's Soccer: A Result of Title IX and Collegiate Programs
The success of the US women's soccer team can be attributed in part to Title IX, legislation that allowed women's participation in sports and the presence of collegiate programs. The collegiate system created a pipeline for talented players and set the foundation to build a strong women's soccer team. This, combined with professional leagues like the NWSL and the fight for pay equity, has propelled women's soccer to new heights. Additionally, the growth of the sport has been driven by the support and enthusiasm of fans, both domestically and globally, who have recognized the skill and talent of these athletes.
Challenges and Excitement Surrounding the Tournament
The upcoming Women's World Cup poses challenges in terms of time differences for viewers, particularly in the US. However, the demand for matches is evident, with opening match tickets selling out and a record number of LGBTQ+ athletes participating. The tournament promises intense competition, with the US facing strong contenders like Germany, England, Canada, and Brazil. The young and talented US squad boasts players such as Trinity Rodman and Sophia Smith, who are set to make their World Cup debuts. Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan will provide the veteran leadership, while other players like Crystal Dunn and Naomi Girma will fill key roles. The unpredictability of the tournament and the potential farewell appearances of legendary players like Marta and Becky Sauerbrunn make the Women's World Cup an event not to be missed.
The Impact of Sex and the City and the Cultural Influence of Women's Soccer
Sex and the City had a significant cultural impact, particularly in New York City, where it helped shape fashion trends and influenced the city's vibe. The show captured the essence of a specific time and place, resonating with young women in their pursuit of love, friendship, and careers. The cultural impact of Sex and the City intersected with the rise of women's soccer, further fueling the enthusiasm for women's sports. The show's popularity highlighted the camaraderie, independence, and individuality of women, contributing to the increased visibility and acceptance of women's soccer. The Women's World Cup has continued this momentum, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of female athletes on a global stage and inspiring the next generation of players.
On this week’s episode of The Waves, we’re talking about the Women’s World Cup and why you should be watching it (even if sometimes it’s a little tricky to find). Slate senior supervising producer Daisy Rosario is joined by investigative sports journalist Jessica Luther with a Waves guide to the cup. They discuss what players to look for, why nationalism can sometimes trump misogyny, Megan Rapinoe’s retirement, and why the US women’s soccer team is so good.
In Slate Plus: Episode 5 of our And Just Like That…recap.
Podcast production by Cheyna Roth with editorial oversight by Daisy Rosario and Alicia Montgomery.
Send your comments and recommendations on what to cover to thewaves@slate.com.
If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on How To!. Sign up now at slate.com/thewavesplus to help support our work.
