In a dramatic shift at the summit of women's football, Spain has officially been crowned the new world number one, ending England's reign at the top of the FIFA rankings.
The seismic change comes on the heels of Spain's historic victory at the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, a triumph that has propelled them to the pinnacle of the global game for the very first time.
The Lionesses, under manager Sarina Wiegman, have been demoted to second place. Their journey to the World Cup final, where they were ultimately defeated 1-0 by La Roja, was not enough to retain the top spot they had held for just over a year.
A New World Order
This landmark achievement for Spanish football marks a significant power shift. France maintains its position in third place, while the United States Women's National Team (USWNT) has suffered a startling fall from grace. Their disappointing round-of-16 exit caused a monumental drop, seeing them plummet to fourth place—their lowest ranking since the system's inception in 2003.
European Dominance and England's Hopes
The updated rankings underscore the overwhelming strength of European nations, who now occupy seven of the world's top ten positions. Despite losing the number one ranking, England's consistency under Wiegman ensures they remain a formidable force at the top of the sport.
Attention for the European champions now turns to their UEFA Women's Nations League fixtures later this month, where they will face Scotland and the Netherlands. These matches offer a immediate chance to begin their quest to reclaim the top position.
