Canada drops to ninth in FIFA women’s soccer rankings after 3-0 loss to U.S., while Spain reclaims top spot following European Championship run.
Ranking Shift Announced
Canada’s women’s national soccer team has dropped one place to ninth in the latest FIFA world rankings released Thursday. The slip comes after a mixed July performance, highlighted by a convincing 4–1 win over No. 43 Costa Rica but followed by a disappointing 3–0 defeat to the United States in Washington.
Spain Back on Top
Spain reclaimed the No. 1 position after five consecutive wins at the UEFA European Women’s Championship and a narrow penalty shootout loss to England in the final. This marks Spain’s return to the top spot after previously leading from December 2023 to June 2024. The U.S., which had held first place since August 2024, now sits second.
Global Ranking Movements
Several nations saw significant changes. Sweden jumped three places to third, and England moved up one to fourth following their European triumph. Germany slipped to fifth, France rose to sixth, and Brazil, Japan, Canada, and North Korea rounded out the top ten — with all four losing ground.
Canada’s Downward Trend
The drop to ninth marks Canada’s third consecutive ranking fall since finishing 2024 in sixth place. Head coach Casey Stoney’s side has struggled for consistency, particularly against top-ranked opponents. The latest loss to the U.S. underscored ongoing challenges in breaking down elite defences and maintaining defensive stability.
Broader International Highlights
Beyond the top ten, Bangladesh soared 24 places to 104th after strong performances against Myanmar, Bahrain, and Turkmenistan, securing a spot in the final AFC qualifying round for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Vanuatu climbed 19 spots to 100th, and the Solomon Islands leapt 13 spots to 73rd after winning their first continental title.
Looking Ahead
Canada’s next fixtures will be crucial in halting the slide in rankings and building momentum toward World Cup qualifying campaigns. With Spain and the U.S. setting the pace, Canada faces mounting pressure to sharpen its attack and regain form against the world’s best.
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