…USA retain first place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking
…Australia return to Top 10, while Panama and Kosovo make great strides
…Cabo Verde and Saudi Arabia included in World Ranking for first time
FRI. 24 MARCH 2023-theGBJournal | Over three months have gone by since the last FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking was published on 9 December 2022.
During that time, 112 international matches have been played, incorporating the Play-Off Tournament for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand™ and several friendly competitions, and the corresponding results have inevitably had a significant impact on the standings.
Winners of the SheBelieves Cup for the sixth time, United States (1st) have consolidated top spot, while Germany (2nd) and Sweden (3rd), who played out a 0-0 draw in a friendly last month, remain in pursuit.
England (4th), stay in touch courtesy of their impressive triumph at the Arnold Clark Cup, which included victories over Italy (16th, up one place), Korea Republic (17th, down two) and Belgium (19th, up one).
France (5th), meanwhile, defeated Denmark (15th, up three) and Uruguay (66th, up one) on their way to winning the Tournoi de France, strengthening their place in the top five.
Australia (10th, up two) have battled their way back into the Top 10, largely due to their positive Cup of Nations results versus three formidable teams, Spain (7th), Jamaica (43rd, up one) and Czech Republic (27th, up one). These successes augur well for the Matildas’ chances at the upcoming Women’s World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by their nation and Aotearoa New Zealand.
The qualifying campaign for that prestigious event concluded with the Play-off Tournament in February. As well as booking the last available berths at Australia & New Zealand 2023, Portugal (21st, up one), Panama (52nd, up five) and Haiti (53rd, up two) attained all-time high points totals in the Women’s World Ranking.
In addition, A Selecção das Quinas and Las Canaleras reached their highest-ever position, as did Austria (18th, up one), Republic of Ireland (22nd, up one), Slovenia (40th, up three), Northern Ireland (45th, up two), Philippines (49th, up four), Venezuela (51st, up one), Zambia (77th, up four) and Cambodia (119th, up one). Nigeria, targeting to reach the knockout stage at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand™ is ranked 42nd, and still the highest ranking African nation.
Boosted by victories over Estonia (95th, down four), Hong Kong (79th, down two) and Bulgaria (90th, up two), Kosovo (103rd, up eight) were the biggest climbers in terms of places, and are now on the verge of breaking into the Top 100.
Cabo Verde (133rd) and Saudi Arabia (171st) are positioned a little further down, but the duo can still take immense pride in having joined the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking for the first time. Consequently, the March 2023 Ranking features 188 teams, which is ten more than at the same time last year!
Leader USA (unchanged)
Moves into Top 10 Australia (10, up two)
Moves out of Top 10 Korea DPR (no longer ranked)
Matches played in total 112
Most matches played Senegal (seven matches)
Biggest move by points Panama (plus 42.16)
Biggest move by places Kosovo (up eight)
Biggest drop in points Papa New Guinea (minus 42.91)
Biggest drop in places Papa New Guinea, Estonia (both down four)
Newly ranked teams Cabo Verde (133rd), Saudi Arabia (171st)
Teams that are no longer ranked Korea DPR
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