The SheBelieves Cup is an invitational women’s soccer tournament hosted annually in the United States. The tournament features four of the top national teams in women’s soccer competing in a round robin format. The SheBelieves Cup provides high-level preparation and competition for the teams as they ramp up for major tournaments like the World Cup and Olympics.
When and where is the SheBelieves Cup held?
The inaugural SheBelieves Cup was held in 2016 as a 4-team invitational tournament. It has been held every year since then, usually in February or March. The host cities and venues change each year, allowing fans across the US to experience world-class soccer:
| Year | Host Cities |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Tampa, Nashville, Boca Raton |
| 2017 | Washington D.C., Harrison, Chester |
| 2018 | Columbus, Orlando, Harrison |
| 2019 | Chester, Nashville, Tampa |
| 2020 | Orlando |
| 2021 | Orlando |
| 2022 | Frisco, Carson |
The 2023 SheBelieves Cup will be hosted in Orlando, Nashville, and Frisco from February 15-22.
What is the tournament format?
The SheBelieves Cup features 4 of the top women’s national soccer teams competing in a round robin format. Each team plays 3 matches, facing the other 3 teams once. The standings are determined by points: 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss.
There are no knock-out rounds. The team with the most points at the end of the 3 matchdays is declared the SheBelieves Cup champion. If there is a tie on points, the first tiebreaker is overall goal difference.
Which teams participate?
The SheBelieves Cup focuses on elite competition between top women’s national teams. The participant teams change slightly each year, but always include the US Women’s National Team plus 3 other top 10 ranked teams.
Here are the participants for each edition of the SheBelieves Cup:
| Year | Participants |
|---|---|
| 2016 | USA, England, France, Germany |
| 2017 | USA, England, France, Germany |
| 2018 | USA, England, France, Germany |
| 2019 | USA, England, Japan, Brazil |
| 2020 | USA, England, Spain, Japan |
| 2021 | USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil |
| 2022 | USA, Iceland, New Zealand, Czech Republic |
| 2023 | USA, Canada, Japan, Brazil |
The USWNT always participates as the host nation. England, France, and Germany have been fixtures since the inaugural edition. Japan, Brazil, Canada, Spain, Iceland, New Zealand, Argentina, and the Czech Republic have also featured.
What is the significance of the SheBelieves Cup?
The SheBelieves Cup has quickly become one of the most prestigious tournaments in women’s soccer behind only the World Cup and Olympics. Here are some of the key reasons it has become so important:
World class competition
With 4 of the top women’s national teams participating each year, the SheBelieves Cup provides world class competition outside of major tournaments. Facing elite opponents helps teams fine tune their tactics and prepare for events like World Cup qualifying and the Olympics.
Home soil advantage
For the US Women’s National Team, the SheBelieves Cup is a rare chance to face top opponents on home soil in front of their American fans. The USWNT faces European and South American teams less frequently outside of major tournaments, so this tournament is special.
Supporting women’s soccer
The SheBelieves Cup builds excitement and interest in women’s soccer, providing a platform to inspire young girls. It also celebrates the advancement of women athletes. That’s how the tournament got its name – by “SheBelieves” to emphasize female empowerment.
Competitive matches
With all the teams taking it seriously, the SheBelieves Cup provides competitive matches that matter. The winners get bragging rights and a boost in the FIFA World Rankings, while teams try to avoid finishing last.
Who has won the SheBelieves Cup?
As the tournament host and #1 ranked women’s team, the United States entered as favorites to win the inaugural SheBelieves Cup in 2016. However, they finished 4th that year as France won the first edition. Since then, here are the winners of each tournament:
| Year | Champion |
|---|---|
| 2016 | France |
| 2017 | USA |
| 2018 | USA |
| 2019 | USA |
| 2020 | Spain |
| 2021 | Canada |
| 2022 | Iceland |
The USWNT has won 4 of the 7 editions, failing to make the final in 2016 and 2020. France, Spain, Canada, and Iceland have won one title each so far.
What is the schedule and format for 2023?
The 2023 SheBelieves Cup will be held from February 15-22 in Orlando, Nashville, and Frisco. The four participating teams are:
- USA
- Canada
- Japan
- Brazil
Each team will play 3 matches in a round robin format, facing each opponent once. Here is the schedule of matches:
| Date | Match | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 15 | USA vs Canada | Orlando |
| Feb 16 | Japan vs Brazil | Orlando |
| Feb 19 | USA vs Japan | Nashville |
| Feb 19 | Canada vs Brazil | Nashville |
| Feb 22 | USA vs Brazil | Frisco |
| Feb 22 | Canada vs Japan | Frisco |
The final matchday on February 22 will determine the 2023 SheBelieves Cup champion!
Who are the players to watch?
Some of the best players in women’s soccer will be competing at the 2023 SheBelieves Cup. Here are some of the top players to watch:
United States
- Alex Morgan – Forward, star goal scorer
- Megan Rapinoe – Winger, crafty playmaker
- Lindsey Horan – Midfielder, box-to-box presence
- Becky Sauerbrunn – Defender, veteran leader
Canada
- Christine Sinclair – Forward, all-time great goal scorer
- Jessie Fleming – Midfielder, rising young talent
- Ashley Lawrence – Defender, lockdown fullback
- Kailen Sheridan – Goalkeeper, shot stopper
Japan
- Mana Iwabuchi – Forward, clever attacker
- Saki Kumagai – Midfielder, midfield general
- Risa Shimizu – Defender, central stalwart
- Ayaka Yamashita – Goalkeeper, acrobatic keeper
Brazil
- Marta – Forward, legendary goal scorer
- Debinha – Forward, creative playmaker
- Tamires – Defender, overlapping fullback
- Leticia – Goalkeeper, shot stopper
How can I watch the 2023 SheBelieves Cup?
For fans in the United States, all of the matches from the 2023 SheBelieves Cup will be broadcast on TV by Warner Bros. Discovery Sports networks.
The games will be available on TNT, TBS, HBO Max or Bleacher Report Live. Check listings for the channel or streaming service for each match.
Limited tickets are also available for purchase to attend the matches in person in Orlando, Nashville, and Frisco. Visit ussoccer.com for ticket information.
For fans outside the US, check local listings for broadcast details. The games are often available on streaming services like YouTube and ESPN+.
Conclusion
The SheBelieves Cup has quickly become a premier tournament for women’s soccer. Featuring four of the top national teams and world class players, it provides exciting competition and support for women’s sports.
With participants like the USWNT, Canada, Japan and Brazil, the 2023 edition promises to be another thrilling installment. The round robin format over three matchdays will crown a deserving SheBelieves Cup champion!
