Fall Showdowns Shake Up USWNT's Standing in FIFA World Rankings

The U.S. women's national team wrapped up its fall international window, which featured back-to-back friendlies against reigning world champion Spain on American soil — matches that were always going to have implications for FIFA's global rankings.

Spain, sitting atop the world rankings at No. 1, was seen as the ideal opponent for the No. 2-ranked Stars and Stripes. A clash between two elite sides and potentially a preview of the 2027 World Cup final next summer. At minimum, it was an opportunity for the USWNT to assert itself in the global hierarchy — a chance to start rewriting its storied legacy of dominance on the world's biggest stage.

Instead, the series exposed just how far ahead Spain is compared to everyone else, the Americans included. Spain first beat the USWNT 2–0 in Washington D.C. — the home side's first two-goal defeat in more than two years — before heading north to Philadelphia and nearly repeating the feat. A late brace from Mallory Swanson salvaged a 2–2 draw three days later, but the match was far from an even contest.

Spain's clear superiority was something USWNT head coach Emma Hayes couldn't dispute. "[Spain] is the best team in the world," she acknowledged after the second match. "... We're still a work in progress." For former USWNT star Tobin Heath, the situation was even more alarming, pointing to numerous "red flags" that the Stars and Stripes must address before the World Cup.

Whether the USWNT can genuinely close the gap with Spain in just eight months remains an open question. But in the meantime, how did the team's world ranking fare following the difficult fall window? FIFA released its updated world rankings on Oct. 20.

World rankings will play a crucial role in the Women's World Cup draw this December, determining which of four pots each qualifying nation falls into. The highest-ranked teams land in Pot 1, while the lowest-ranked are placed in Pot 4. Nations from the same pot cannot be drawn against each other in the group stage, making it essential that the USWNT stays among the world's elite to secure the most favorable group stage matchups.

The USWNT's Updated FIFA World Ranking—Oct. 20, 2026

Despite failing to secure a victory this fall, the USWNT held firm at No. 2 in the world; however, Spain continues to pull further ahead in terms of points, while No. 3 Germany and No. 4 England have been steadily closing the gap on the Stars and Stripes.

FIFA's world rankings are built on a complex points system that goes beyond simply evaluating match results — it also factors in match location, the significance of each game, and the ranking differential between the two teams (which is used to generate expected outcomes). According to FIFA, "the very best in the world can have rating points exceeding 2,000, while the absolute beginners score around 1,000 rating points."

As of Oct. 20, Spain leads the pack with 2121.50 points, while the U.S. trails by nearly 100 points at 2042.38. Germany sits third globally and is breathing down the Americans' necks with 2034.62 points, with England close behind in fourth at 2025.47. The numbers alone underscore Spain's global dominance, while also revealing just how tenuously the USWNT clings to second place.

The gap at the top wasn't always this wide. Back in June, during FIFA's previous official update, No. 1 Spain (2105.36 points) led No. 2 U.S. (2057.92) by fewer than 50 points. Meanwhile, No. 3 Germany (2028.99) and No. 4 England (2027.13) were each roughly 30 points adrift.

In April, the margin at the top was even tighter. No. 1 Spain (2083.09) held less than a 30-point advantage over No. 2 U.S. (2054.65), while No. 3 England (2038.72) and No. 4 Germany (2021.78) remained close in pursuit.

FIFA Women's World Rankings