(NBC News)

A ticker-tape parade was held today in NYC for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) for winning its fourth World Cup trophy in France.

For the team’s most recent World Cup trophy, the USWNT defeated the Netherlands — a women’s national team on the rise — 2-nil in the World Cup Final played on July 7. The red, white and blue won thanks to goals from Megan Rapinoe (61st-minute PK) and Rose Lavelle (69th-minute laser from outside the 18-yard-box).

The 2019 Women’s World Cup, including the years leading up to this summer’s tournament — was an incredible journey for the USWNT. Whether people want to continue to refuse to acknowledge the reality that soccer is a popular sport in the United States, Alex Morgan, and her teammates will continue to play their part in the sport’s clear popularity and growth domestically and abroad.

As reported in the LA Times article titled “Viewership of Women’s World Cup final exceeds 14 million on Fox.”

Fox’s audience of 14.271 million made the U.S. victory the most-watched soccer match on English-language TV in the country since the record-setting 2015 Women’s World Cup final audience that recorded 25 million viewers in prime time. The 2019 audience peaked at nearly 20 million.

In addition to the team’s triumphant victory, the big issue being pushed by the USWNT and its fans — including today during the post-parade ceremony — is the call for equal pay, which seems to be building momentum. Between now and the 2023 Women’s World Cup, it will be interesting if changes will be made with this issue. FIFA will ultimately play a definitive role in this ongoing debate.

Once again, congratulations to the USWNT for winning its fourth World Cup trophy and earning its fourth star!