SheBelieves Cup 2025: What to expect this year and a look back at iconic games | OneFootball

Do you remember when Meikayla Moore scored a hat-trick of own goals for the United States? What about Kiko Seike’s opener for Japan inside 30 seconds against the USA in front of a record crowd? The SheBelieves Cup has provided so many memorable moments over the years.

As the world prepares for the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, we’ve taken a look back at some memorable matches over the years, as well as what you can expect this time round.

What is the SheBelieves Cup?

The SheBelieves Cup might not be one of the most talked-about competitions but it definitely comes with its thrill and glitz.

Hosted by the United States, the SheBelieves Cup is an invitational women’s football tournament. The competition is held in different cities across the US in late February or early March.

In its first three years (2016, 2017, and 2018), it was contested by the same four teams: the United States, England, France, and Germany. However, they spiced up the events in 2019, and the tournament lineup has featured different teams each year since then.

Despite its brevity in length, this tournament is known for its enthralling match-up and intense rivalry. We’ve delved into some of the most memorable moments of the competition, which will be spotlighted below.

Notable SheBelieves Cup matches

USA vs Canada (2024 Final)

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It was a well-known rivalry, and a lot was on the line, from pride to history. It excites football spectators when big players rise up to big occasions, and last year’s final was no different.

A calamitous defensive error at the back gave Adriana Leon the chance to open the scoring in the 40th minute, leaving the second half filled with expectations. The US took the lead as Sophia Wilson (nee Smith), scored a brace inside 18 minutes.

A clumsy challenge from Crystal Dunn in the 80th minute gave the 2020 Olympic Champions a route back into the game. The Canadians, however, faltered during the penalty shoot-out, ensuring the hosts retained their title.

England vs. Brazil (2019 Semi-final)

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The most exciting contest at the 2019 SheBelieves tournament was probably the match between England and Brazil. Those who watched the USA play the Lionesses in a breathtaking 2-2 draw might disagree, though.

England were preparing for the World Cup and the Brazilians were at their prime with maestros like Marta, Ludmila and the formidable Formiga playing the best football of their lives.

Starting off on the front foot, Keira Walsh tripped Marta but the absence of ill-intent didn’t stop the referee from awarding a penalty. The spot-kick was duly converted by Brazilian’s attacker Andrassa in the 16th minute.

The game was tightly balanced in the first half as both teams created half-chances. The South Americans’ goalkeeper Aline Vilares kept her team in the contest with brilliant saves. She, however, couldn’t stop Ellen White’s curling shot created by Fran Kirby’s pinpoint pass in the 49th minute.

Both teams went at each other again, exploiting spaces while displaying individual brilliance and creativity. It was however down to Beth Mead who fired a thunderous strike home to assert dominance over Brazil.

SheBelieves Cup 2025: What to watch out for this year

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This year, the three countries invited are Japan, Colombia and Australia. The tournament will be played in a round-robin format as we had in 2023, instead of the knock-out format from last year.

There are a lot of things to watch out for in the SheBelieves Cup 2025, and a few key points include:

Emma Hayes showing off USA talents

The Olympic gold winner will be without her ‘Triple Espresso’. While this might be sad news, it’s also given her the opportunity to introduce new attacking talents to the USWNT. From Alyssa Thompson to Catarina Macario, everyone will be looking to deliver their all. This star-studded squad ensures Hayes will have a selection headache when fully fit.

The display of rising talent

From Lily Yohannes to Miaka Hamano and Linda Caicedo, SheBelieves is another platform for us to witness the magic of these burgeoning talents, while basking in their brilliance at such young age.

A challenge to relish

With rivals like Brazil, Canada and England not participating, the countries invited will be relishing the opportunity to go against the hosts. After all, they are seen by many as the ultimate team to beat.

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