The future is uncertain for the U.S. after crashing out of the Women's World Cup

U.S. players react following their loss to Sweden in a penalty shootout during the Women's World Cup round of 16 soccer match in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023. (Scott Barbour/AP)

Scott Barbour / Scott Barbour

The rest of the world has finally caught up to the United States.

The once-dominant Americans crashed out of the Women’s World Cup on penalties after a scoreless draw with Sweden in the Round of 16 on Sunday. It was the earliest exit ever for the four-time tournament champions.

A shootout in the 1999 World Cup — with a much different outcome — supercharged the U.S. team’s prominence atop the sport globally. The Americans beat China on penalties in front of a sellout crowd at the Rose Bowl and Brandi Chastain doffed her jersey in celebration.