The latest FIFA Women’s World Ranking has seen Spain extend their lead, Denmark return to the top 10 and Malawi make a record-breaking rise
A successful international window has helped the reigning world champions increase their advantage over their closest rivals, while one European nation has returned to the global top 10 after more than a decade away.
However, one of the biggest stories comes from Africa, where an impressive tournament run has sparked an unprecedented rise for a team making history on the international stage.
Spain extend their lead as Denmark return to the top 10
Spain have strengthened their position at the summit of the FIFA Women’s World Ranking after recording a win and a draw against the United States during October’s international window.
The two nations met twice on American soil, with Spain winning the opening fixture before the sides played out a draw in their second encounter. The results allowed Spain to extend their lead over the USA to almost 80 points.
The United States remain second, while Germany occupy third place after winning both home friendlies and narrowing the gap to the teams above them.
FIFA Women's World Ranking: Full top 10 and points
| Rank | National team | Points |
| 1 | Spain | 2,121.50 |
| 2 | United States | 2,042.38 |
| 3 | Germany | 2,034.62 |
| 4 | England | 2,025.47 |
| 5 | Japan | 1,994.43 |
| 6 | France | 1,983.77 |
| 7 | Brazil | 1,970.87 |
| 8 | Sweden | 1,938.13 |
| 9 | Canada | 1,926.96 |
| 10 | Denmark | 1,920.14 |
England remain fourth in the rankings, followed by Japan in fifth and France in sixth. Brazil, Sweden and Canada occupy seventh, eighth and ninth respectively.
Denmark have climbed two places to reach 10th, returning to the top 10 for the first time since August 2010.
The Danes earned a draw and a victory in their away fixtures against Canada, with the results helping them move above the Netherlands and DPR Korea, who have dropped to 11th and 12th respectively.
The latest update follows 183 international matches, including FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualifying fixtures in Europe and Africa, Olympic preliminary matches and international friendlies.
With qualification for Brazil 2027 already secured by several nations, the latest standings offer an indication of how teams are progressing ahead of the next major international tournament.
Malawi climb 49 places after reaching WAFCON final
Malawi have made the biggest leap in the latest rankings, climbing an unprecedented 49 places to reach 104th in the world.
The Scorchers earned a record 158.44 ranking points following their remarkable run to the final of the WAFCON.
Their progress represents a significant milestone for Malawian women’s football, with the team building on their performances at continental level and recording further victories during the Olympic preliminary rounds.
Malawi's rise follows their historic qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027, which will be the nation's first appearance at the tournament.
The latest rankings reflect the impact of those results, with the Scorchers making one of the most dramatic upward movements recorded in the current update.
While Malawi celebrated a historic rise, Egypt experienced the biggest decline, dropping 14 places to 113th after losing all three of their group-stage matches at the continental tournament. Nigeria recorded the biggest points loss, dropping 83.54 points, while Egypt suffered the biggest fall in ranking positions, dropping 14 places to 113th.
Elsewhere in Africa, Cameroon climbed nine places to 62nd, while Tanzania rose 11 positions to 111th. Burkina Faso also made progress, moving up nine places to 109th.
Slovenia reached a new milestone of their own, climbing two places to 36th and achieving their highest-ever position in the rankings.
The next FIFA Women’s World Ranking update is scheduled for 7 December 2026, providing another opportunity to assess the changing landscape of the international women’s game as teams continue their preparations for Brazil 2027.
