Portugal and Republic of Ireland both hit all-time highs in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking.
USA hold on to first place, as they have done since 2017, although Germany narrowed the gap and were one of three recent victors over the Americans
Sweden have dropped one place to the third, ahead of England (4th) and France (5th). Canada (6th) are closing in on the top 5, while Spain (7th) have lost a little ground.
Italy have not had a happy end to the year, falling three places. In contrast, Portugal (22nd, up one place) and Republic of Ireland (23rd, up one) finish 2022 on a high, reaching their best-ever positions.
Scotland stay 25th, Wales slip to 32nd, Northern Ireland move up to 47th.
Turkey (64th, plus 3) had the biggest jump in terms of points (+10.23 pts) and Estonia (91st, plus 5) were the highest climbers when it came to places. No side suffered a bigger fall in places than Montenegro (96th, minus 5).
Some 187 FIFA member associations featured in the December 2022 Ranking, out of 211 in all, the highest number ever recorded at the end of a calendar year.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published on 24 March 2023
