Germany

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.

Germany after conceding to South Korea.

The two-time world champions had never before missed the knockout stage at a Women’s World Cup.

Sports Illustrated

Linda Caicedo pictured celebrating after scoring for Colombia against Germany at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

Real Madrid starlet Caicedo danced between Svenja Huth and Sara Dabritz inside the Germany penalty area before curling a stunning strike into the top corner.

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.