TODAY’S PAPER | October 21, 2026 | EPAPER

Spain increases lead over US atop FIFA World Rankings

Denmark breaks into the top 10 for the first time since August 2010


REUTERS October 21, 2026 1 min read
Photo: REUTERS

PARIS:

Spain extended their lead over the United States atop the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings in the latest update on Tuesday after the recent international ‌window concluded.

La Roja, which have been No. 1 in the rankings since August 2025, played the U.S. twice during the recent window on American soil, pulling out a 2-0 win in Washington, D.C. on ⁠Oct. 10 and playing to a 2-2 draw in Chester, Pa., on Oct. 13.

The rest of the top nine was unchanged, with Germany, England and Japan completing the top five, followed by France, Brazil, Sweden and Canada.

The only new addition to the top 10 in these updated rankings is Denmark, which climbed two spots to 10th, ‌marking ⁠the first time it has been in the top 10 since August 2010.

Netherlands and North Korea fell one spot each to 11th and 12th, respectively.

Malawi, which reached the final of ⁠the Women's Africa Cup of Nations over the summer to qualify for its first Women's World Cup next year in Brazil, ⁠was the biggest riser, jumping 49 spots to 104th.

Egypt, who have lost their last three matches by ⁠a combined margin of 15-3, fell the most, dropping 14 spots to No. 113.

The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Rankings will next be updated on Dec. 7.

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