US is out of Women's World Cup after losing dramatic penalty shootout

By Ben Church, Issy Ronald, Thomas Schlachter and Patrick Sung, CNN

Updated 6:26 PM ET, Sun August 6, 2023
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1:45 p.m. ET, August 6, 2023

We've wrapped up our live coverage for the day. You can relive the key moments from today's match in the posts below, or read more on the Women's World Cup here.

12:20 p.m. ET, August 6, 2023

"It’s been an honor," says Megan Rapinoe after final World Cup appearance

From CNN's Ben Church and Thomas Schlachter

Megan Rapinoe controls the ball.
Megan Rapinoe controls the ball. Alex Grimm/FIFA/Getty Images

Megan Rapinoe cut an emotional figure as she watched her US team get knocked out of the Women's World Cup on Sunday.

The 38-year-old, who announced she would be retiring from the sport following the conclusion of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season in October, came on as a late substitute against Sweden but missed her penalty in the shootout.

“It’s like a sick joke for me, personally. I’m like, ‘This is dark comedy, I missed a penalty,’” Rapinoe told Fox Sports.

Speaking after what could be her last ever game for the US team, soccer legend Rapinoe chose instead to remember the good times of competing for her country.

During her glittering international career, Rapinoe won Olympic gold at London 2012 and helped the US lift two World Cup trophies.

“I still just feel really grateful and joyful, and I know it’s the end and that’s sad," she said.
"But to know this is really the only time that I’ve been in one of these (situations) this early says so much about how much success I’ve been able to have, and just how much I’ve loved playing for this team and playing for this country. It’s been an honor.”
12:28 p.m. ET, August 6, 2023

The US team fell short in its quest for a near-impossible World Cup three-peat

From CNN's Kyle Feldscher and Patrick Sung

US players are seen dejected after a defeat to Sweden.
US players are seen dejected after a defeat to Sweden. Jose Hernandez/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

The US has set the highest of expectations for itself with its long dominance of women's soccer, but completing a historic, unprecedented three-peat was always going to be difficult.

Winning three championships in a row is extremely hard to do at the professional club level in any sport, let alone the World Cup in international soccer – no nation has ever won three consecutive World Cups in either the men’s or women’s game.

The biggest enemies of sustained success in sports are waning motivation and, most often, time. The amount of effort, skill and sustained passion it takes to keep up success over a long period of time is beyond difficult and the years between World Cup editions only ratchet that tension up.

Professional teams have a hard enough time keeping a core championship group together and healthy for three consecutive years on a club level – the US women’s team attempted to do the same thing eight years after winning the 2015 World Cup. The legendary generation of players which won that tournament is largely gone – just five players from 2015 were on this tournament's squad.

The teams that have pulled off three-peats are often legendary: The 1990s Chicago Bulls, the late 90s-early 00s New York Yankees and Los Angeles Lakers, the mid-century Boston Celtics and Montreal Canadiens, the New York Yankees (again) in the 1930s and 40s – all teams that live long in the consciousness of American sports fans.

Then Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos celebrates with the UEFA Champions League trophy following the final against Liverpool in Kyiv on May 26, 2018. It was Los Blancos' third consecutive European Cup - an unprecedented feat in the modern era.
Then Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos celebrates with the UEFA Champions League trophy following the final against Liverpool in Kyiv on May 26, 2018. It was Los Blancos' third consecutive European Cup - an unprecedented feat in the modern era. Michael Regan/Getty Images

But what about in men's club and international soccer? Since 2000, only an iconic Real Madrid side led by Cristiano Ronaldo won three UEFA Champions Leagues in a row from 2016 to 2018, while Spain is the only country to ever win three major international championships in a row – Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 – and those were still two different competitions taking place every two years, not very comparable to what the US women attempted to do in winning three World Cups in a row.

9:43 a.m. ET, August 6, 2023

US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher bemoans losing World Cup by "a millimeter"

From CNN's Kevin Dotson and Ben Church

Alyssa Naeher shows dejection after the her team's defeat through the penalty shootout.
Alyssa Naeher shows dejection after the her team's defeat through the penalty shootout. Alex Grimm/FIFA/Getty Images

It could have been very different for the US if the video assistant referee (VAR) hadn't spotted that Sweden's final penalty had gone over the line.

US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher thought she had saved Lina Hurtig’s effort but video replays showed the ball had narrowly crept over the line. It simply couldn't have been any closer.

Naeher looked confused when referee Stéphanie Frappart awarded Sweden the win, before reality began to sink in.

“We just lost the World Cup by a millimeter,” Naeher told Fox Sports. “That’s tough.”

She added: “I’m proud of the fight of the team tonight. I think we knew that we hadn’t given our best in the group stage and we wanted a complete team performance. And the team came out, I thought we played great tonight.

"Hats off to the Swedish goalkeeper, obviously a number of fantastic saves on her end to keep it 0-0.
"To come up short hurts. It’s going to hurt for a long time, but proud of the fight of the group.”
10:23 a.m. ET, August 6, 2023

US star Alex Morgan says loss "feels like a bad dream"

From CNN's Kevin Dotson

Alex Morgan is seen crying as she reacts to her team being knocked out of the tournament after a penalty shoot out loss.
Alex Morgan is seen crying as she reacts to her team being knocked out of the tournament after a penalty shoot out loss. Alex Pantling/FIFA/Getty Images

US forward Alex Morgan said she felt heartbroken after her team's last-16 defeat to Sweden.

Speaking to FOX Sports after being knocked out of the Women’s World Cup, Morgan said she was "devastated."

"Feels like a bad dream,” an emotional Morgan said. “I don’t know, the team put everything out there tonight.
"I feel like we dominated, but it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, we’re going home. It’s the highs and lows of the sport of soccer. So yeah, it just doesn’t feel great.”

Morgan, who was replaced by Megan Rapinoe, described the mood in the team huddle after the loss.

“I think everyone just wanted to lean in on each other in the moment," she added.

"It’s a really tough moment. This team was a really special team, you know. It’s a tough one to swallow.” 

When asked about her future, the 34-year-old Morgan remained coy.

“I don’t know, I was just so focused on the World Cup that I don’t know," she said.

"I’m just ready to get back to San Diego and get back to work. We’ll go from there.”

9:11 a.m. ET, August 6, 2023

In Photos: Sweden eliminates defending champion US

From CNN's Digital Photo team

A hard-fought battle between the US and Sweden came down to the last penalty shot by Sweden knocking out the two-time defending champion. See highlights from the match.

Sweden players celebrate the team's victory after defeating the US in a dramatic penalty shootout.
Sweden players celebrate the team's victory after defeating the US in a dramatic penalty shootout. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, right, hugs teammate Megan Rapinoe as Andi Sullivan, second from left, comforts Kelley O'Hara after their team was eliminated by Sweden.
US goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, right, hugs teammate Megan Rapinoe as Andi Sullivan, second from left, comforts Kelley O'Hara after their team was eliminated by Sweden. Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Alex Morgan cries after the US was knocked out of the tournament during the team huddle after the match.
Alex Morgan cries after the US was knocked out of the tournament during the team huddle after the match. Alex Pantling/Getty Images

US forward Lynn Williams, left, and Sweden defender Jonna Andersson, right, fight for the ball.
US forward Lynn Williams, left, and Sweden defender Jonna Andersson, right, fight for the ball. William West/AFP/Getty Images

US forward Alex Morgan, center, heads the ball during the match against Sweden.
US forward Alex Morgan, center, heads the ball during the match against Sweden. William West/AFP/Getty Images

US star Megan Rapinoe, who back in July announced her retirement at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, takes a corner kick against Sweden. It is likely her final World Cup match ever.
US star Megan Rapinoe, who back in July announced her retirement at the end of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season, takes a corner kick against Sweden. It is likely her final World Cup match ever. Alex Pantling/Getty Images

8:58 a.m. ET, August 6, 2023

"It's probably my last game ever being able to have the honor to wear this crest," says a tearful Julie Ertz

From CNN's Wayne Sterling and Issy Ronald

Julie Ertz is comforted after the US team was defeated in a penalty shootout.
Julie Ertz is comforted after the US team was defeated in a penalty shootout. Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images

Midfielder Julie Ertz told host broadcaster FOX Sports that the USA's round-of-16 loss against Sweden is likely to be her last international match.

"For me, it’s just emotional because it’s probably my last game ever being able to have the honor to wear this crest, so I think it’s just...," she said, fighting back tears.
"It’s just tough. I feel like it’s just, it’s an emotional time. So it absolutely sucks, I mean, penalties are the worst. But it’s an honor to represent this team. I’m excited for the future of the girls.”

Ertz has won two Women's World Cup titles during her glittering career with the USA, scoring 20 goals along the way.

8:54 a.m. ET, August 6, 2023

How the US crashed out of the Women's World Cup after penalty defeat to Sweden

From CNN's Ben Church

Sweden's goalkeeper Zećira Mušović was the standout player of the match.
Sweden's goalkeeper Zećira Mušović was the standout player of the match. Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

The US team had been heavily criticized for its performances going into Sunday's round-of-16 match against Sweden but, despite its eventual defeat, the two-time reigning champion can be proud of its response.

Dominant for much of the match, the US outclassed its opponent and was only kept out by Sweden's quite brilliant goalkeeper, Zećira Mušović.

On more than one occasion, Mušović produced a stunning save to prevent the Americans from scoring the all-important winner, forcing the game into a penalty shootout after it finished 0-0 after 120 minutes of play — 90 in regular time and 30 in extra-time.

In total, the US had 11 shots on target throughout the match, compared to Sweden's solitary one.

But, in soccer, you have to make the most of your chances and the US failed to do so.

In the buildup to Sunday's game, US striker Alex Morgan had identified the team's lack of clinical edge as a problem and it proved fatal against Sweden.

The issue was highlighted in the penalty shootout. If Sophia Smith had scored her penalty, the US would be the team heading through to face Japan in the quarterfinals.

Instead, the young forward missed, giving Sweden a lifeline.

The match was eventually decided by the video assistant referee (VAR) which, after reviewing the action, deemed that Lina Hurtig’s winning penalty had crossed the line despite the US’ Alyssa Naeher initially appearing to save it.

Much will be made of the dramatic penalty shootout — which finished 5-4 to the Blågult — but, in truth, the US should have won the game way before.

A tough one to take for this American side, but it showed plenty of promise for the future.

Read the full match report here.

8:46 a.m. ET, August 6, 2023

Jill Biden sends message to US women’s team after World Cup loss

From CNN’s Kevin Liptak

US first lady Jill Biden delivers remarks in the east room of the White House on May 16, in Washington, DC.
US first lady Jill Biden delivers remarks in the east room of the White House on May 16, in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

First lady Jill Biden, an avid fan of the US women’s soccer team, said the squad “inspired us” in a message following its loss at the World Cup. 

“You made this sport matter,” she wrote on Twitter. “Today, you inspired us with your grit and determination. We are proud of you. Always remember that you encourage women and girls everywhere to show up and fight for their dreams.”

The United States crashed out of the Women's World Cup after losing a dramatic 5-4 penalty shootout against Sweden.

Biden had said in an earlier message that she would be waking up early to watch the match, which kicked off at 5 a.m. ET. 

The Bidens are longtime fans of the team and its leader Megan Rapinoe, whom the president awarded a Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor — in 2022. 

The Bidens placed a billboard on the White House North Lawn cheering on the team as the World Cup got underway.