CHAPTER 8Digital Activism: 2019 Women's World Cup: United States Victory
In the scorching summer of 2019, France became the epicenter of the soccer universe, hosting the eighth edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup. The air was thick with anticipation. The streets of cities like Paris, Lyon, and Nice were buzzing with excitement. The flags of the participating nations hung from balconies, and the chatter of multiple languages filled the air, a testament to the global pull of the event. Soccer fans from around the world descended upon the French cities, their faces painted in national colors, spirits high, and voices ready to cheer. Stadiums were transformed into communities of emotion, where every goal was met with roars that seemed to shake the very foundations of the venues. The atmosphere was electric, a heady mix of competition, national pride, and the sheer joy that comes from being part of something larger than oneself. For those few weeks, soccer was more than a game; it was a unifying force that transcended borders, languages, and cultures. Millions of fans tuned in from every corner of the globe, their eyes glued to screens big and small, all captivated by the drama unfolding on the French turf.
Amidst this backdrop, the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) arrived, not just as defending champions but as crusaders for a cause that extended beyond the white lines of the soccer field. They were a powerhouse, yes, but they were also pioneers in a fight that had long been ...