Soccer-World Cup presents 'paradigm shift' in women's game, says Rapinoe

FILE PHOTO: Megan Rapinoe gestures the number 4 with her fingers as she holds the Trophy for the FIFA Women's World Cup while the U.S. team arrives at the Newark International Airport, in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., July 8, 2019. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The World Cup will be a transformational moment for women's sport, U.S. forward Megan Rapinoe said on Tuesday, four years after a bitter pay dispute between her team and federation hung over their successful 2019 campaign.

The Americans are seeking an unprecedented third consecutive title at a time of major growth in the women's game, as FIFA believes the tournament in Australia and New Zealand is on track to be the most attended standalone women's sporting event ever.