June 13 – The latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking update offers a sharp reminder that the United States’ long-standing dominance in the women’s game is no longer unchallenged.
Although the four-time world champions retain their No.1 status in Thursday’s update, their grip at the summit is beginning to loosen – with Spain and Germany in close pursuit and Brazil closing fast behind.With the Women’s Euros and Copa America set to kick off in early July, this update marks the last placement before each continent’s juggernauts go head to head – though USWNT will have a quiet summer with no competitive matches scheduled.
This means that should Spain or Germany succeed in Switzerland this summer, each could leapfrog the US to top the ranking.
A 2-1 home loss to Brazil in April has done more than just dent pride for the Olympic Champions – it handed Emma Hayes, who was installed as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team in May 2024, a reality check.
World Champions Spain (2nd) and Germany (3rd), both unbeaten since the last update in March, have reduced the points margin and are poised to overtake if the Americans falter again.
Brazil’s resurgence underlines a larger South American shift. Up four places to 4th, the Seleção are now on the verge of a top-three return for the first time since 2013, powered by victories over top-tier opposition including the US and Japan. England, meanwhile, drop one spot to 5th after a mixed run of form, while Sweden hold steady in 6th.
Across Asia, Japan drop to 7th after suffering two defeats at the hands of the resurgent Brazilians, and Canada (8th) slide after a surprise April defeat to Argentina. DPR Korea (9th) remain unshaken, while France move back into the top 10 at the expense of the Netherlands.
Elsewhere, Colombia have broken into the top 20 for the first time, climbing to 18th after a crucial 1-0 win over Korea Republic. Venezuela and Paraguay continue to punch above their traditional weight, reaching their highest-ever positions.
Oceania’s New Zealand, still reeling from a 3-1 defeat at home to Venezuela, fall further behind the pack, while Caribbean nations Haiti and Puerto Rico continue their quiet climb.
Africa’s brightest mover is Egypt, leaping seven places to 93rd, while Asia’s Saudi Arabia continues its grassroots ascent, inching up to 165th.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1749980036labto1749980036ofdlr1749980036owedi1749980036sni@g1749980036niwe.1749980036yrrah1749980036