France

Spain's players pictured celebrating a goal during their 2-0 win over France in the inaugural UEFA Women's Nations League final in February 2024

Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey scored the goals in a 2-0 win in Seville.

The United States women's national team pictured posing for a pre-match photo before beating China 2-1 in a friendly in Texas in December 2023

The United States had previously been ranked in first place for more than six years before dropping to third in August after its worst campaign in Women's World Cup history.

Patricia Guijarro pictured playing for Barcelona in the 2023 UEFA Women's Champions League final

Salma Paralluelo, Olga Carmona, Alba Redondo and Aitana Bonmati were all included on the 30-player shortlist published on Wednesday.

Players from the USWNT pictured during their 0-0 draw with Portugal at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

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

FIFA Women s World Cup 2023 Quarter-Final Australia Women v France Women Cortnee Vine 5 of Australia celebrates scoring the winning penally to win the FIFA Women s World Cup 2023 Quarter-Final match Australia Women vs France Women at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia, 12th August 2023

Australia survived France in penalty kicks to accomplish quite a feat as the host nation for the Women’s World Cup.

Sports Illustrated

Australia's players pictured celebrating after beating France 7-6 in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

Cortnee Vine scored the winning penalty for Australia from the 20th kick of the shootout.

A photo showing FIFA Women's World Cup signage on display at Waikato Stadium in New Zealand ahead of a group game between Switzerland and Norway in July 2023

Goal difference is more important than head-to-head results.