Friday 18 December 2020, 06:07

Malta join the party, USA stay top

  • USA end 2020 in poll position

  • Malta make most progress

  • Seven sides hit new highs

The year will end as it started for the top teams in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking. USA (1st) will see out 2020 at the top of the global standings with their highest points total for over six years (June 2014). Immediately below the world champions are Germany (2nd), over whom the Stars and Stripes have increased their lead, and France (3rd).

Following their draw with Austria (20th) in UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 qualifying, Les Bleues came close to surrendering third place to the Netherlands (4th). However, the Oranjeleeuwinnen were unable to profit from that slip-up after going down to USA in a friendly. The Dutch remain in fourth place nevertheless, with Sweden (5th) completing the Top 5.

The main movement happened lower down the ranking. The most significant point-increase (+37) came from Malta, who ascended 16 places thanks in particular to away wins in Georgia (114th) and Israel (68th). The Maltese end 2020 in 85th place, a ranking they have not attained for three years.

In addition, seven teams will finish 2020 in their highest ever position: Slovenia (48th), Northern Ireland (49th), Fiji (64th), the Philippines (65th), Cuba (81st), Gambia (104th) and Comoros (139th).

The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking will be published on 26 March 2021.

Leader - USA (unchanged)

Entering the Top 10 - Japan

Exiting the Top 10 - Korea DPR

Total matches played - 111

Most matches played - France, Russia (6 each)

Biggest point gain - Malta (+37)

Biggest increase in places - Malta, Kosovo (+16)

Biggest point loss - Scotland (-42)

Biggest decrease in places - Belarus (-3)

Joining the ranking - Ecuador

Unranked due to prolonged inactivity - 18 teams