The United States Women’s National Women’s Soccer Team (USWNT) has historically been very good at winning soccer games - and tournaments - on the national stage. At the same time, they have equally as bad at showing any level of pride for the country they represent.
Led by Megan Rapinoe, the USWNT has frequently said that America is not a country worth supporting because, in their completely illogical worldview, the U.S. doesn't treat people fairly.
As a result, team members have frequently not stood for the national anthem at past World Cups. Furthermore, when the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) enacted a policy requiring all players to stand for the national anthem while representing America (a radical concept, I know), the USWNT asked the USSF to repeal the mandate.
USWNT Player's statment re: @ussoccer's "Anthem Policy" pic.twitter.com/Jd4OtRDhRJ
— USWNT Players (@USWNTPlayers) June 9, 2020
They haven’t gotten any better at avoiding spreading left-wing ideologies. Rapinoe and others have advocated for men to be allowed to compete for spots on the USWNT, which would effectively end any woman’s chances of making the team in the future. All of this for the sake of a little inclusivity!
Related: Megan Rapinoe Set To Retire...But Not Quietly
However, they do seem to have given ground at least a little bit on the issue of standing for the national anthem. Before the team’s match against Vietnam (which they won 3-0), all the players could be seen standing on two feet, albeit only three players were singing.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2023
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM PLAYS AT THE 2023 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP FOR THE FIRST TIME 🙌 pic.twitter.com/czqIXr5zBT
While that might seem like the bare minimum display of respect for any other American international team, it's not everyday you see the USWNT choosing to respect its home nation like that. Hopefully, this is the start of the new norm for the squad.
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