The United States will head into next month’s Women’s World Cup as the top-ranked team, with no changes to the top five in the latest FIFA rankings.
Australia’s Matildas came in as tenth-ranked in the 77-nation competition.
The US has held the top spot since June 2017 and continues to lead the way ahead of Germany, Sweden, European champions England and France.
Spain and Brazil, ranked sixth and eighth, swapped places with the Netherlands (ninth) and Australia’s Group B rivals Canada (seventh) in the only changes in the top 20.
Following friendlies in April, Spain equalled their best-ever ranking after high-scoring wins over Norway and China, while Copa America Femenina champions Brazil earned an impressive victory over Germany.
World Cup co-hosts Australia and New Zealand are 10th and 26th.
Debutants Zambia will be the lowest-ranked team in the tournament at 77th.
The World Cup kicks off on July 20, with New Zealand against Norway, and the Matildas taking on the Republic of Ireland.
The final takes place in Sydney on August 20.
-AAP
