USWNT Lose Top Spot In FIFA Women's World Rankings For First Time Since 2017

Author:
Robert Summerscales
Publish date:
Aug 25, 2023 6:35 AM EDT

For the first time in more than six years, the USWNT are no longer the top ranked team in women's international soccer.

The United States had sat in first place in the FIFA Women's World Rankings since June 2017 when they reclaimed the title after briefly losing it to Germany.

But the four-time world champions dropped down to third when the latest rankings were published on Friday.

Players from the USWNT pictured during their 0-0 draw with Portugal at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup — The USA now sit third in the FIFA Women's World Rankings after previously holding first place for more than six years
IMAGO/ZUMA Wire/Kim Price

Spain have jumped four places from sixth to second after winning the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup last weekend.

First place is now held by Sweden, who came third at this summer's World Cup.

Sweden recorded impressive victories over Italy, Argentina, Japan and Australia en route to winning bronze.

Sweden players pictured celebrating after beating the USA in a penalty shootout at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup — Sweden now top the FIFA Women's World Rankings
IMAGO/TT/Pontus Lundahl

But Sweden's most memorable moment of the tournament arguably came in the round of 16 when they beat the USWNT in a penalty shootout following a 0-0 draw.

That saw the USA exit a FIFA Women's World Cup before the semi-final stage for the first time ever.