The ninth edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup concluded with Spain’s historic victory, securing their very first world title. This remarkable achievement propelled Spain to a spectacular surge in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, published on Friday, August 25, 2023.
The world champions could have even claimed the top spot if they hadn’t conceded 35 points in a heavy defeat (4-0) against Japan in their final group stage match.
Consequently, for the first time in their history, Sweden rises to the top of the podium (1st, +2). The Scandinavians dethroned the United States (3rd, -2), whom they eliminated in the round of sixteen, before falling in the semi-finals and rebounding to win the match for third place against Australia.
The Matildas (11th, -1) pay the price for their battle for the bronze medal by dropping out of the Top 10, marking the only change in this edition of the FIFA Ranking. Meanwhile, Japan (8th, +3), a quarter-finalist, moves in the opposite direction and reclaims their place among the top ten teams.
Among other movements in the Top 10, there’s a notable rise for the Netherlands (7th, +2) and a drop for Germany (6th, -4), who were eliminated in the first round for the first time in their history. Canada (10th, -3) also faces the consequences of their premature exit.
Regarding the top ten African teams, Nigeria holds the 32nd position globally, followed by South Africa (45th), Cameroon (56th), Morocco (58th), Ghana (59th), Côte d’Ivoire (66th), Zambia (69th), Tunisia (76th), Equatorial Guinea (79th), and Algeria (80th).
For this edition of FIFA Women’s Ranking, Ghana dropped one spote ranking 5th in Africa. However, the Black Princesses and the Ivory Coast team still lead Zambia, which participated in the last World Cup but failed to advance beyond the group stage.
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