The U.S. women’s national team retained its world No. 1 ranking Thursday despite back-to-back losses against England and Spain.
These rankings will determine the seedings heading into the draw for next year’s World Cup, which will take place on Oct. 22. As a result, the USWNT retains the top seed for the World Cup.
🆕 The latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking is out!
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) October 13, 2022
🇺🇸 USA still out in front
🏆 October rankings will decide seedings for the Final Draw for the #FIFAWWC
📈 Gains for Spain, Portugal, Estonia and Bangladesh
👉 https://t.co/yQ9jjAIg4T pic.twitter.com/Eb0KT5A8gn
Sweden, meanwhile, jumped up one spot to No. 2, while Germany fell one to No. 3. Despite their win over the USWNT, England remained in fourth place, and France remains in fifth.
Spain made the biggest leap inside of the top 10, climbing two spots to sixth following their 2-0 win over the USWNT. They are now one of six seeded teams, which should prove favorable for their World Cup draw.
It also means that the U.S. will not draw Sweden, Germany, England, France or Spain in the group stage. However, the USWNT could see Canada, the Netherlands or Brazil.
The USWNT and Sweden have been in the same group for the past five World Cups, but that streak will end in 2023.
The Netherlands fell two spots in the rankings to eighth, while No. 7 Canada, No. 9 Brazil and No. 10 North Korea all maintained their positioning.
Portugal was the highest climber in the top 50, rising four places to No. 23 fresh off qualifying for the intercontinental playoffs for next year’s World Cup.