Naomi Girma, Trinity Rodman, Crystal Dunn, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith listen to the national anthem ahead of the women’s soccer Group B match between Australia and the USA at Marseille Stadium | Image: AP Photo
The U.S. Women’s National Team finished the year in first place in the FIFA rankings.
Emma Hayes’ team won gold at the Paris Olympics, marking a turnaround in form after their reign as world champions ended last year and Spain established itself as the dominant force in women’s football.
The United States defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final at the French tournament, moving up four spots to the top of the FIFA rankings in August. It also maintained its top spot in this year’s final rankings, which were announced on Friday.
World champion Spain was in the top spot at the beginning of the year, but lost in the Olympic bronze medal match and fell to third place. He has moved up to 2nd place in the latest rankings.
European champions England have fallen from second to fourth place. Germany, who won the Olympic bronze medal, came in third place.
The United States dominated women’s soccer, winning four World Cups and winning five Olympic gold medals.
However, in last year’s World Cup, they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Sweden.
Hayes, who won 15 major trophies with Chelsea, including seven Women’s Super League titles, was appointed as USA manager in May and immediately led the team to a tournament victory in Paris.
