Majority of USWNT remains silent as national anthem plays prior to Women’s World Cup opener against Vietnam

Majority of USWNT remains silent as national anthem plays prior to Women’s World Cup opener against Vietnam

The United States women’s national team’s relationship with the national anthem has become complicated over the years. In the past, some members of the team have taken a knee as the song played prior to the kickoff of a match.

But, when the USWNT lined up on the field prior to the start of their opening 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup match against Vietnam, the majority of the team stood during the playing of “Star Spangled Banner,” although most of the players seemed to remain silent.

The entire opposing team appeared to passionately sing as Vietnam’s national anthem “Tiến Quân Ca,” or “Song of a Marching Army” was played. The players seemed to sing in unison, and all eleven athletes held their right hands over their hearts.