The U.S. women maintained their No. 1 spot in the FIFA women's world rankings. (Photo Copyright Patricia Giobetti for The Equalizer)
The United States women’s national team remains No. 1 in the world according to the latest FIFA world rankings released on Friday, a position the Americans have held for six years running.
Germany has closed the gap, however, shrinking the United States’ lead to just 24 points. Germany has been No. 2 in the world behind the U.S. since December 2009 and is the only team other than the Americans to have occupied the world’s top spot. They were No. 1 in December 2007, just months after winning a second straight World Cup.
Brazil suffered the biggest drop of the top 10 teams, falling from No. 4 to No. 6 in the world, which bumped France up to No. 4 and Sweden up to No. 5. Japan remains No. 3 behind Germany, also pulling closer to the United States.
England proved to be the major climbers, moving up three positions into the No. 8 spot in the world. Iceland also climbed three spots to tie China for No. 16.
New Zealand dropped four places to No. 20 in the world after a disappointing Cyprus Cup.
Click here for the complete FIFA women’s world rankings.
