Overview

• Most USWNT players did not sing the national anthem prior to their first World Cup match against Vietnam.
• While the Vietnamese team passionately sang their anthem, only 5 of 11 US players placed hands over hearts.
• Some criticized the US team's silence, while others supported their right to choose.
• Team captain Megan Rapinoe, who previously kneeled for the anthem, remained silent in her last World Cup match before retirement.
• Despite the pre-game tensions, the heavily favored US squad won their opener 3-0 over Vietnam.