From First to Second – Why the USWNT Lost the Top Spot to Spain in FIFA Women’s Rankings
The latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, released on August 7, 2025, have brought a major shake-up to the top of the table — Spain has overtaken the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT) to claim the No. 1 spot in the world.
It’s a landmark moment for La Roja, who continue their rise in women’s soccer following their dominant run at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025.
For the first time in a year, the U.S. has slipped to second place, despite an impressive recent unbeaten streak.
Spain’s surge to the top reflects the growing strength of European Women’s football, as their consistent tournament performances have outpaced even the US’s friendly wins in FIFA’s points system.
While the margin between the top two is razor-thin, the shift sends a clear message ahead of upcoming international fixtures— the battle for world supremacy in women’s soccer is heating up like never before.
Spain Overtakes USWNT for No. 1 Spot in Latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings
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For immediate attention in the U.S.: This marks the first time since August 2024 that the US Women’s National Team (USWNT) has been displaced from the top spot, as world champion Spain climbs to number one.
Spain’s leap to No. 1 signals a significant shift in women’s football power dynamics in the Women’s FIFA ranking in 2025.
Their consistency in competitive tournaments, which are valued more highly than friendlies in the ranking calculation, propelled them ahead.
For U.S. fans, this result highlights how every official tournament performance can significantly impact global rankings. Sources- FIFA.
Spain
Regains the top position thanks to a dominant run at UEFA Women’s EURO 2025, five wins and a final appearance despite losing to England on penalties.
The Spain campaign was record-setting: top scorer, high-scoring matches, and four players in the Tournament Team.
United States (#2)
Despite a five-game win streak and three clean sheets in friendlies, the USWNT couldn’t hold onto the No. 1 spot.
They trail Spain by just about 1.7 points under FIFA’s match-weighted formula.
Sweden (#3)
Climbed three spots following a strong EURO showing.
England (#4)
The back-to-back European champions, up one place.
France (#6)
Moved up four places after a dominant group stage performance at the Euros.
Brazil (#7)
Despite winning their ninth continental title, they dropped three positions.
FIFA publishes rankings quarterly. The next update is scheduled for December 11, 2025.
The USWNT, with upcoming friendlies in October, has a real shot at reclaiming the top spot before the year’s end—if they capitalise on those matches.
Spain’s rise to the summit reflects their robust tournament form, while the United States remains a close contender—keeping the global competition on a razor’s edge.
