No surprise, no surprise.
The U.S. women’s national team finished atop the final FIFA rankings of the year, which were released Friday morning.
The Americans earned their highest points total for over six years, since June 2014. Immediately below the world champions were Germany (second), over which the USA increased its lead, and France (third).
Following its draw with Austria (20th) in UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 qualifying, the French came close to surrendering third place to the Netherlands (fourth). However, the Oranjeleeuwinnen was unable to profit from that slip-up after going down to USA in a friendly, 2-0. The Dutch remain in fourth place with Sweden (fifth) completing the top five.
The main movement happened lower down the rankings. The most significant point-increase (+37) came from Malta, which ascended 16 places, thanks in particular to away wins in Georgia (114th) and Israel (68th). The Maltese ended the year in 85th place, a ranking it had not attained for three years.
Seven teams will finish 2020 in their highest position: Slovenia (48th), Northern Ireland (49th), Fiji (64th), the Philippines (65th), Cuba (81st), Gambia (104th) and Comoros (139th).
Click HERE to view the complete ranking.
The next rankings will be published March 26.
