Women's World Cup power rankings: England moves up, but Spain stays No. 1
The 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is now down to its final four teams and this is the point where dreams start to feel like they are truly within reach.
Spain, England, Sweden and Australia have all been through some struggles that could have bumped them out of the tournament, but they're still here, still kicking, and each with compelling reasons why glory could be theirs for the taking.
This final version of the FOX Sports Women's World Cup power rankings combines form and projected likelihood of success, and sees Spain narrowly occupy top spot after its morale-boosting victory over the Netherlands.
But after England's survived Lauren James' absence and a Colombian wonder goal, Sweden overcame a USA penalty shootout and a mighty Japan unit, and Australia dealt with all the Sam Kerr fuss and an epic PKs duel, would you bet against any of them?
Reactions to England eliminating Colombia and advancing to the semifinals | World Cup NOW
POWER RANKINGS — August 12
1. Spain (=): Found its resolve — and a new superstar in Salma Paralluelo.
2. England (up 1): It’s hard to shake this team, unflappable once again.
3. Australia (up 1): Host nation has a massive wave of support behind it.
4. Sweden (down 2): There’s no question about it now; they’re the real deal.
ELIMINATED
5. Japan (up 2): Deeply disappointing loss after such a promising start.
6. Netherlands (up 2): After a worthy revival against Spain, should have finished them off.
7. France (down 2): More quarterfinal pain, this time on penalties.
8. Colombia (down 2): Couldn’t close out England, but an excellent campaign.
9. Nigeria (=): Nearly pulled off a massive shock.
10. United States (=): The defending champs were eliminated on penalty kicks.
11. Jamaica (=): Strong showing bodes well for the future.
12. Denmark (=): Got the job done and can look forward with optimism.
13. South Africa (=): A hugely positive campaign finally came to an end.
14. Norway (=): Predictable end to a disjointed campaign.
15. Switzerland (=): Defense fell apart when faced with its first big test.
16. Morocco (=): Remarkable effort to reach the knockout stage.
17. Germany (=): Stunning elimination for the two-time champion.
18. Brazil (=): Marta’s last World Cup ended with a shocking group exit.
19. Portugal (=): Came so close to producing an historic upset.
20. Canada (=): Olympic champ heads home after failing to shine.
21. New Zealand (=): Huge disappointment after a dream start to the tournament.
22. Italy (=): Suffered a heartbreaking end to a troubled campaign.
23. China (=): Departs after getting taken apart by England.
24. Philippines (=): Will go home with heads held high.
25. South Korea (=): Finished on a high note by knocking out Germany.
26. Argentina (=): Inspired fightback secured a draw with South Africa.
27. Zambia (=): Finished on a high note against Costa Rica.
28. Ireland (=): Campaign ends with a single point.
29. Haiti (=): Some positive signs, but three defeats.
30. Panama (=): Played its part in an entertaining defeat to France.
31. Costa Rica (=): Landed in a brutal group and ended without a point.
32. Vietnam (=): Never got going in tough Group E.
Martin Rogers is a columnist for FOX Sports and the author of the FOX Sports Insider newsletter. Follow him on Twitter at @MRogersFOX and subscribe to the daily newsletter.
