March 18 – The Official FIFA Women’s world rankings have undergone a reshuffle following the recent international break, as the US Women’s National Team suffer an all-time lowest placement despite lifting the W Gold Cup earlier this month.
The rankings have now reached a record 193 national teams with the admission of Iraq (172nd). That figure could be eclipsed in June, with six more teams just one official match away from joining, namely Chad, Djibouti, Eritrea, Gibraltar, Libya and Sudan.
The Americans dropped to fourth for the first time since records began in 2003, paying a heavy price for a 2-0 group-phase defeat to Mexico.
The USWNT are still the top-ranked Concacaf nation, with Canada and Brazil (semi finalist and finalist at the W Gold Cup) both moving up a place to ninth and tenth respectively.
Spain stay on top of the rankings, extending their lead to 64 points. They reminded the world why they’re number one by cruising to a UEFA Women’s Nations League title in February, beating third-ranked France 2-0 in the final.
European nations hold six of the top twn ranking positions. England have jumped up to second thanks to two convincing victories over Italy and Austria, which saw the Lionesses score 12 goals and concede just three.
Despite losing the Nations League final to La Roja, France maintain a place on the podium with a slender seven-point lead over USA.
The update saw Germany (5th) move into the top 5, while Brazil (10th) slotted back into a top 10 that also features Sweden (6th), Japan (7th), the Netherlands (8th) and Canada (9th).
Mexico and Slovenia have made significant climbs in the rankings, with Mexico moving up four spots to 31st and Slovenia moving up three spots to 41st.
That being said, the most notable advancements are seen outside the top 50. Zambia has risen five places to 65th, Puerto Rico has surged 18 places to 85th, and Kosovo has jumped nine places to 91st, all reaching their highest-ever rankings.
Solomon Islands experienced the largest leap, rising 21 places to 88th, propelled by victories over American Samoa, Fiji, and Samoa last month.
To see the full ranking, click here.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1713948230labto1713948230ofdlr1713948230owedi1713948230sni@g1713948230niwe.1713948230yrrah1713948230