The 1996 NCAA Division I women's soccer tournament was the 15th annual single-elimination tournament to determine the national champion of NCAA Division I women's collegiate soccer. The semifinals and championship game were played at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, California during December 1996. North Carolina defeated Notre Dame in the final, 1–0 (in two overtimes), to win their thirteenth national title. Coached by Anson Dorrance, the Tar Heels finished the season 27–0–1. North Carolina returned to the championship after appearing in all thirteen finals prior to 1995.