Women’s World Cup power rankings: Spain takes top spot, USWNT at No. 2

For among the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup’s most esteemed groups, the United States included, the knockout spherical successfully begins now.

Yes, there may be nonetheless the third and closing group recreation remaining for all the area, however for a number of of the main contenders the potential for a untimely departure nonetheless looms, and there’s no room for error.

The USWNT’s action-packed 1-1 draw with the Netherlands was sufficient to maintain the U.S. at the top of Group E, whereas dropping it to No. 2 within the FOX Sports’ World Cup power rankings.

But the Americans go into their Group E conflict with No. 22 Portugal realizing {that a} shock defeat would nearly actually dump them out of the event.

They’re not alone. 

Having misplaced to France on Saturday, Brazil faces the prospect of a fast journey house until it beats Jamaica. Co-host Australia might be out until it beats Canada. England, regardless of two wins up to now, would seemingly be sunk by a defeat to China.

A handful of groups has already been knocked out of competition after solely two video games, whereas different teams will head into the ultimate match day with everybody nonetheless within the hunt.

Expect a lot extra motion in these rankings as groups jockey for place and battle for survival with the ultimate twists of the group stage almost upon us.

POWER RANKINGS — July 28

1. Spain (=): This workforce has but to be totally examined, however Japan will present a sterner problem.
2. United States (=): Wednesday’s tie with the Netherlands was thrilling, however uncovered some flaws.
3. Germany (=): Sent out a warning with a goal-heavy burst.
4. Japan (=): Their decisive Group C conflict with Spain might be highly-anticipated.
5. England (=): Another win, however shedding Keira Walsh was a giant disappointment.
6. Netherlands (=): A high quality midfield is a drive to be reckoned with.
7. France (up 1): Wendie Renard sealed an enormous win towards Brazil.
8. Sweden (up 4): Outstanding efficiency to demoralize Italy.
9. Canada (=): Came from behind towards Ireland to avoid wasting its marketing campaign.
10. Brazil (down 3): Now has work to do exactly to succeed in spherical of 16.
11. Denmark (down 1): Still has some work to do to qualify.
12. Nigeria (down 1): Showed large spirit in beating co-host Australia, now favored to win Group B.
13. Australia (up 1): Sam Kerr says she is coming again. Is it too late?
14. Switzerland (up 1): In pole place to doubtlessly win Group A.
15. Jamaica (up 2): Now has a real likelihood to make the knockout spherical.
16. Colombia (=): Real Madrid-bound Linda Caicedo confirmed what the hype is all about.
17. Italy (down 4): Defensive points clinically uncovered in Sweden defeat.
18. Philippines (=): Brilliant effort to carry on for victory towards New Zealand.
19. New Zealand (=): Huge disappointment after a dream begin to the event.
20. China (=): Avoided elimination with an important victory over Haiti.
21. Norway (=): One level from two video games and loads of reported turmoil.
22. Portugal (=): A win over Vietnam supplies a sliver of hope.
23. South Africa (=): African Nations Cup champion wasted the possibility for an necessary victory.
24. South Korea (=): Has now received solely as soon as in 11 World Cup video games.
25. Argentina (=): Inspired fightback secured a draw with South Africa.
26. Ireland (=): Impressed early towards Canada, however is eradicated after defeat.
27. Haiti (=): Not eradicated formally, however in want of a miracle.
28. Costa Rica (=): Landed in a brutal group and might be heading house early.
29. Vietnam (=): Eliminated after second defeat in a row.
30. Panama (=): Battled arduous in slim defeat to Jamaica.
31. Zambia (=): Suffered a second straight heavy defeat.
32. Morocco (=): Couldn’t comprise rampant Germany.

Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports and the writer of the FOX Sports Insider publication. Follow him on Twitter at @MRogersFOX and subscribe to the daily newsletter.

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