Sweden go top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking for the first time, while Spain jumped four places into second spot.
The Scandinavians dethrone the USA (3rd, down 2), whom they squeezed past in the round of 16 before ultimately being edged out in the semis and then recovering to overcome joint hosts Australia in the match for third place.
As for the Matildas (11th, down 1), they pay the price for their defeat in that tussle for the final podium place and are the only side to drop out of the top ten in this edition of the ranking. Meanwhile, quarter-finalists Japan (8th, up 3) move in the opposite direction to reclaim their spot amongst the leading pack.
The other movers in the top ten of the global standings are the Netherlands (7th, up 2) and Germany (6th, down 4), the latter having failed to progress beyond the group stage for the first time at the finals. Elsewhere, Canada (10th, down 3) also suffer the consequences of their early exit.
England stay fourth and Scotland remain 23rd, Republic of Ireland slip to 24th, Wales climb to 29th and Northern Ireland drop to 47th.
Tournament newcomers Morocco proved to be one of the revelations in Australia and New Zealand – where they reached the Round of 16 – and they also make waves in this ranking as the biggest climbers (58th, up 14).
The other three African participants at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 all make headway courtesy of their exploits at the showpiece after South Africa (45th, up 9) and Nigeria (32nd, up 8) both negotiated their way out of the group stage, while Zambia (69th, up 8) record their highest-ever position in the ranking.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published on 15 December 2023.
