FIFA Women’s World Ranking: What’s Ahead for the USWNT
Does a five-year winning streak make a sudden loss easier or harder to bear? For the USWNT, the shocking defeat to Japan in the final round of the SheBelieves Cup still hasn’t worn off. Yet, despite the lingering disappointment for both the fans and team, FIFA’s 2025 Women's World Ranking has placed the USWNT in the top slot. With the UEFA holding a championship of their own, the performances of potential rivals for the 2027 World Cup are on display, allowing us to take the temperature of what’s ahead for the USWNT.
The loss against Japan was the end of five straight years of U.S. victory in the SheBelieves Cup, and the USWNT’s first loss in almost a year. Most of the blow is dealt from the optimism surrounding the team’s remarkable improvement. Such progress is attributed to the English head coach Emma Hayes who, over the past 12 months, has made a strong recovery from the 2023 World Cup loss. Stand out players and performances have been the norm. Since taking the reins of the team, she has expressed a marked desire to make a comeback, with eyes on the 2027 World Cup. Even in the post-loss deluge, coach Hayes, while visibly disappointed, doesn’t seem to be discouraged. “I think it’s exciting and I think our future is exciting,” she stated after the match.
The future, indeed, doesn’t seem to be darkening any time soon. Despite the loss, FIFA has ranked the USWNT as number one in the world, followed by Spain, Germany, England, and, yes, Japan. Many of the ranking teams are currently involved in their matches during the UEFA Women’s Champions League, previously called the UEFA Women’s Cup. Heading into the first leg of the Quarterfinal, Real Madrid is up to face Arsenal, both teams ranking not far behind the United States. As such, they are the natural rivals for the USWNT. Their performance could be an indicator of a possible World Cup lineup.
Closer to home, the U.S. is facing Brazil, also ranked in the top 10, in Los Angeles this coming April. The friendly will be the first female sporting event ever hosted in the SoFi Stadium, showing once again the USWNT record breaking tendencies. While the fantasy of a utopian USWNT performance is gone, the team performance is certainly more interesting. One loss does not a defeat make; though, perhaps, just a bit more tension.
