US Women’s National Team Regains Top Ranking After 12-Month Absence

The U.S. women’s soccer team regained the top spot in the FIFA world rankings following their gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. Mallory Swanson’s goal during the final against Brazil secured the team’s fifth Olympic gold medal, the first since the 2012 London Games. This victory propelled them from fifth place back to the top after a 12-month absence.

Following the U.S. team, England moved up to second place in the rankings, surpassing Spain, Germany, Sweden, and Canada. Brazil also saw a rise in the rankings, moving up one spot to eighth place. On the other hand, France experienced the most significant decline, dropping from second to tenth in the rankings. The host nation’s disappointing performance in the group stage and subsequent elimination by Brazil in the quarterfinals contributed to their lowest position in almost five years.