Football

United States' World Cup triumph secures biggest ever FIFA rankings lead

After a successful defence of the World Cup in France, the United States now leads the FIFA women's rankings by the biggest margin ever

Joe Wright
12 July, 2019 18:15 IST

Left to right: Kelley O'Hara, Alex Morgan and and Allie Long with the World Cup trophy   -  Getty Images

Joe Wright
12 July, 2019 18:15 IST

The United States has opened up the biggest gap at the top of the women's FIFA rankings in history following its World Cup triumph.

Jill Ellis' side won its second successive title last Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Netherlands in the final in Lyon.

It remains in first place in the international standings but now boasts a record gap of 121 points over second-place Germany, which lost to Sweden in the quarter-finals.

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Runner-up Netherlands is up five places to third, its best ever position, while bronze medallist Sweden climbs three places to sixth.

France stays fourth, with England, beaten by USA in the semi-finals and then Sweden in the third-place play-off match, slips two places to fifth.

The biggest mover is the Philippines (67th place, up seven) and India (57th place, up six), who are rewarded for strong showings in qualifying for next year's Olympic Games.

The list now comprises 158 teams, up from 155, which is also an all-time record.

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