Newly crowned European women’s champions England have moved up to fourth in the latest FIFA rankings released on Friday, while four-time world champions the United States maintain their top spot.
The ranking comes after a busy month for women’s football, which saw continental championships for Africa, North America, South America and Oceania in addition to the European Championship as part of qualifying for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
The United States won their ninth CONCACAF W Championship title in July and remains in first place, a spot they have held since 2017.
England’s victory on home soil moved them up four places from eighth place, while second-placed Germany jumped lost semi-finalists Sweden to second.
South Africa moved up to 54th place after their maiden Africa Cup of Nations title, while Zambia, who reached the semi-finals of the tournament, were the most improved side in the rankings, climbing 23 places to 80th.
Copa America Femenina winners Brazil remained in ninth place.
Joint World Cup hosts Australia and New Zealand finished 12th and 22nd.