Before the World Cups, the US women’s team began with a defeat in Italy

2026-10-23 · Prem Football Editorial · Sources checked

The first match in the US women’s national team’s history ended with Italy winning 1-0. Played in Jesolo on 18 August 1985, it was a beginning that looks very different from the trophy photographs that followed.

U.S. Soccer’s account of the team known as the 85ers describes 17 players travelling to the Mundialito tournament after just three days of training together. They went with emergency passports and second-hand men’s shirts. Denise Bender wore the captain’s armband. These practical details show a national programme taking its first steps, before later success could make those steps seem inevitable.

FIFA’s historical account independently confirms the date, place and opening score. It identifies coach Mike Ryan and explains that Mundialito meant Little World Cup. That tournament should not be confused with the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup, which arrived in China in 1991. A familiar name can conceal an important difference in competition history.

The first American goals came in the next match, a 2-2 draw with Denmark. U.S. Soccer records Michelle Akers scoring from Emily Pickering’s pass, then providing the assist for Pickering’s equaliser. The National Soccer Hall of Fame also records the two scorers and the draw. The small sequence matters: an opening defeat, then the first goals, rather than a ready-made winning machine.

In 1991, the United States beat Norway 2-1 in the first FIFA Women’s World Cup final. Looking back from that achievement, Jesolo deserves attention on its own terms. A team can become historically important before it becomes successful. Remembering the first match gives the pioneers a place in the story beyond the medals that later generations associate with the shirt.

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Editorial assistance: AI-assisted research and writing. Historical claims are linked to the sources above. Corrections are welcome through our contact page.