San Diego Wave win World Sevens final, underscoring the power and reach of women’s soccer

The San Diego Wave FC made history by winning the World Sevens women’s soccer tournament on Dec. 7. San Diego defeated Mexico’s Tigres UANL 3-0 in the final of the U.S. debut edition held in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

The three-day event, designed to showcase professional women’s soccer in a seven-on-seven format, awarded $5 million in total prize money, with $2 million going to the Wave.

World Sevens offers a fresh take on traditional soccer. Matches last only 30 minutes — split into two 15-minute halves — with no offsides and unlimited rolling substitutions.

The tournament brought together teams from across North, Central, and South America, including Canada’s AFC Toronto, Mexico’s Club América, Colombia’s Deportivo Cali, Brazil’s Flamengo, Uruguay’s Nacional, and the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League. 

For Canadian women’s soccer, Toronto’s participation was a statement. Although they did not advance past the group stage, the club represented the strength and growth of the sport in Canada on an international platform. This presence mirrors their recent performance in the Northern Super League Championship, where AFC Toronto played against Vancouver Rise FC, narrowly losing 2-1.

Competitions like these are vital for Canadian clubs. They provide exposure, allow players to test themselves against top international opponents, and contribute directly to the development of women’s soccer across the country.

For San Diego, the victory was a showcase of tactical discipline, quick transitions, and clinical finishing. The fast-paced, small-sided format rewarded agility, creativity, and teamwork, while offering bench players meaningful minutes and opportunities to demonstrate depth.

Organizers emphasized that World Sevens is not only about spectacle but also about growing women’s sports globally.

“We want to create regional tournaments and be able to bring this format and World Sevens football all over the world to different leagues all over the world,” World Sevens Football co-founder Jen Mackesy said.

CEO Sarah Cummins added the tournament gives clubs and players exposure to new fans, while helping leagues expand and strengthen.

Broadcasted across HBO Max, DAZN, TNT, and TruTV, the World Sevens reached audiences worldwide. Its success underscores a growing appetite for women’s sports innovations and demonstrates how international tournaments can provide both entertainment and opportunity. 

The combination of prize money, global exposure, and competitive play makes the World Sevens an important addition to the women’s soccer calendar.

As San Diego celebrates their inaugural triumph, the event also highlights women’s soccer in Canada as an emerging force. Clubs like AFC Toronto are gaining international experience, showcasing their talent, and proving that Canadian soccer can compete on the world stage.

For players, fans, and leagues, tournaments like these offer a glimpse into the sport’s future — one that is faster, more inclusive, and filled with opportunities for growth, development, and cross-border competition, strengthening women’s soccer globally and at home.