After a successful defense at the 2019 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. Women’s National Team celebrated Wednesday with a parade in New York City. Thousands of fans gathered along Broadway to support the U.S. team, which won its fourth title since the Women's World Cup began in 1991.

The parade began with the team riding through Manhattan’s "Canyon of Heroes," just as they did after their win in 2015. Players were greeted with cheers from supporters filling the streets to see the World Cup winners in person before the parade ended with a rally at city hall.

Social media was buzzing with excitement from the parade.

U.S. stars Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, and Megan Rapinoe addressed the crowd at the rally. Rapinoe, arguably the most outspoken player on the roster, won the Golden Ball and Golden Boot award for the tournament.

There were also chants of "Equal Pay" for the players, who don't earn the same amount as the men's side. This has been a running theme throughout the 2019 World Cup, as the women’s team is suing the U.S. Soccer Federation for gender and pay discrimination.

The sentiment has even reached Congress. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia introduced a bill that would block funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup until the U.S. Soccer agrees to equal pay for the men’s and women’s teams.

“No federal funds may be appropriated or otherwise made available to provide support for the 2026 World Cup, including support for a host city, a participating State or local agency, the United States Soccer Federation, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), or the Federation de Football Association (FIFA), until the date on which the United States Soccer Federation agrees to provide equitable pay,” the bill reads.

Megan Rapinoe
Megan Rapinoe has proven herself with the USWNT. Getty Images
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