Spain have reclaimed the No.1 position in the FIFA women’s world rankings, dethroning the United States after almost a year at the top. The change comes despite Spain’s defeat to England in the European Championship final last month, a result that capped a strong run of form for the reigning world champions.

The United States had held top spot since August last year, a reign cemented by their gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics. Their grip on the summit, however, has now been broken as Spain surged back to the top for the first time since June last year. The European powerhouse had previously reached No.1 in December 2023, following their historic Women’s World Cup victory, and maintained it until mid-2024.

The latest rankings, released by FIFA on Thursday, confirm the shake-up at the top of the women’s game. It is a reflection of Spain’s sustained quality over the past two years, even though they fell just short of the European Championship crown in their latest campaign.

Australia remain steady in 15th place, continuing to sit between Denmark in 14th and China in 16th. The Matildas’ standing reflects consistent performances but also the increasingly competitive nature of the women’s international scene.

England, meanwhile, have climbed to fourth in the world. The Lionesses’ recent success has been notable: they have now won back-to-back European Championships and reached the final of the 2023 World Cup, where they lost to Spain. Their latest silver medal at the Euros has solidified their position among the elite, moving them one spot higher in the global pecking order.

Brazil have endured a significant slide in the rankings, dropping three places to seventh. This fall is somewhat surprising, given that they recently defended their Copa America title to secure their ninth continental championship. Nevertheless, the rankings indicate that continental dominance alone may not be enough to retain a high global standing when performances against top-tier teams in other competitions are factored in.

Sweden have made one of the biggest leaps, rising three spots to third. Their Euro 2025 campaign ended in heartbreak, going out in the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to eventual champions England. Despite the exit, their overall performances throughout the tournament, coupled with their prior results, have propelled them back into the world’s top three.

France have also seen a notable rise, climbing four places to sixth. Like Sweden, their European Championship ended in the quarter-finals, but their journey there showcased a blend of attacking flair and resilience. Their improved ranking reflects both recent results and the strength of their squad depth.

The reshuffle at the top of the FIFA rankings underscores the increasingly narrow margins between the leading nations in women’s football. With Spain back on top, the United States looking to respond, and nations like England, Sweden, and France on the rise, the battle for global supremacy is more competitive than ever.

FIFA’s ranking system takes into account results from major tournaments, continental competitions, and friendly matches, meaning even small margins can lead to significant shifts. As preparations begin for upcoming international fixtures and qualification campaigns, the latest standings will serve as both motivation and a reality check for teams with ambitions of breaking into — or staying in — the upper echelon of women’s football.

For Spain, the return to No.1 is both a validation of their recent achievements and a challenge to maintain their supremacy in the face of relentless competition. For the United States, the rankings drop is a reminder of the high standards required to stay at the top in a sport where dominance is harder to sustain than ever.