Nation & World News
Nation & World News

World Cup champion Spain widens lead over No. 2 United States in FIFA women's rankings

Women’s World Cup champion Spain has widened its points lead atop the FIFA rankings over the second-placed United States
Spain's team captain Irene Paredes lifts the trophy after winning the Women's Nations League final soccer match between Spain and Germany in Madrid, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Credit: AP

Credit: AP

Spain's team captain Irene Paredes lifts the trophy after winning the Women's Nations League final soccer match between Spain and Germany in Madrid, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Dec 11, 2025

ZURICH (AP) — Women’s World Cup champion Spain widened its points lead atop the FIFA rankings Thursday over the second-placed United States.

Spain retained its UEFA Nations League title since the last rankings update in August, while the U.S. won four of five friendlies played in that time.

Spain won the Nations League final last week against Germany, which rose two places to No. 3 in the rankings. European champion England stayed at No. 4 and No. 5 Sweden fell two spots.

Brazil and France swapped places at Nos. 6 and 7, respectively. Japan stayed at No. 8, North Korea went up one to No. 9, taking the place of Canada now at No. 10.

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