The match was played under hazy conditions due to nearby wildfires and winds that carried the smoke towards the Lower Mainland region.
The United States struck early, scoring four goals in the first 16 minutes.
Three of those goals were scored by midfielder Carli Lloyd, giving her the fastest hat-trick in World Cup history.
Lloyd's first goal at the 3rd minute was the fastest in a Women's World Cup final, as she drove in a corner kick from Megan Rapinoe.
Her goal also marked the first time Japan had trailed throughout the tournament.
Lloyd again scored in the 5th minute off of a free kick from Lauren Holiday.
Holiday scored in the 14th minute after Japan defender Azusa Iwashimizu failed to clear the ball on a header and turned over possession.
Lloyd's goal in the 16th minute, which Reuters called "one of the most remarkable goals ever witnessed in a Women's World Cup", was struck from the halfway line, catching Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori out of position.
The stunning goal was nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award and meant Lloyd became the first woman to score a hat trick in a World Cup final and the first player, male or female, to do so since Geoff Hurst did so for England against West Germany in the 1966 final at Wembley.

Striker Yūki Ōgimi scored with a left-footed shot to give Japan's first goal in the 27th minute, outmaneuvering United States defender Julie Johnston.
Japan coach Norio Sasaki then responded tactically by introducing two first half substitutes, introducing midfielder Homare Sawa on for Iwashimizu and replacing winger Nahomi Kawasumi for striker Yuika Sugasawa.
An own goal off the head of Johnston from an Aya Miyama free kick added to Japan's scoreline in the second half, at the 52nd minute.
Midfielder Tobin Heath scored the final goal of the game off of a pass from Morgan Brian for the United States two minutes later.
The combined seven goals were the most in Women's World Cup final history, and ties the record for most goals in any men's or women's World Cup final with the men's 1958 FIFA World Cup Final, in which Brazil defeated Sweden 5–2.
The match was played under hazy conditions due to nearby wildfires and winds that carried the smoke towards the Lower Mainland region. The United States struck early, scoring four goals in the first 16 minutes. Three of those goals were scored by midfielder Carli Lloyd, giving her the fastest hat-trick in World Cup history. Lloyd's first goal at the 3rd minute was the fastest in a Women's World Cup final, as she drove in a corner kick from Megan Rapinoe. Her goal also marked the first time Japan had trailed throughout the tournament. Lloyd again scored in the 5th minute off of a free kick from Lauren Holiday. Holiday scored in the 14th minute after Japan defender Azusa Iwashimizu failed to clear the ball on a header and turned over possession. Lloyd's goal in the 16th minute, which Reuters called "one of the most remarkable goals ever witnessed in a Women's World Cup", was struck from the halfway line, catching Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori out of position. The stunning goal was nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award and meant Lloyd became the first woman to score a hat trick in a World Cup final and the first player, male or female, to do so since Geoff Hurst did so for England against West Germany in the 1966 final at Wembley.
Striker Yūki Ōgimi scored with a left-footed shot to give Japan's first goal in the 27th minute, outmaneuvering United States defender Julie Johnston. Japan coach Norio Sasaki then responded tactically by introducing two first half substitutes, introducing midfielder Homare Sawa on for Iwashimizu and replacing winger Nahomi Kawasumi for striker Yuika Sugasawa. An own goal off the head of Johnston from an Aya Miyama free kick added to Japan's scoreline in the second half, at the 52nd minute. Midfielder Tobin Heath scored the final goal of the game off of a pass from Morgan Brian for the United States two minutes later. The combined seven goals were the most in Women's World Cup final history, and ties the record for most goals in any men's or women's World Cup final with the men's 1958 FIFA World Cup Final, in which Brazil defeated Sweden 5–2.
2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final