August 25 – In a small consolation after crashing out in the last four of the Women’s World Cup, Sweden have moved top the FIFA world ranking closely followed by champions Spain in second place with the United States losing the number one position for the first time in six years.
The Women’s World Cup, which concluded last Sunday with Spain triumphing 1-0 against England in an all-European final. Sweden claimed bronze after falling at the hands of the eventual champions in the semi-finals.
Spain, who had an outstanding tournament notwithstanding huge off-field controversies that have continued long after the final whistle after RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed Jennifer Hermoso on the mouth during the trophy president, moved to 2nd place.
FIFA said that the Spanish would have taken the lead but for their 4-0 loss against Japan in the group stages.
The Americans dropped to the third spot after a poor campaign that saw them crash out of the round of 16 for the first time ever after a nail-biting penalty shootout against Sweden. Manager Vlatko Andonovski stepped down after the tournament.
European champions England remain in fourth sport.
Morocco, one of three African sides to reach the last 16 of the competition, were the biggest movers, climbing 14 spots to 58th.
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