Vietnam dip on FIFA ranking after Women's World Cup

Vietnam were deducted 25.94 points and descended to 34th on the ranking, two places lower than the most recent update in June.

The point reduction comes from five defeats including two official friendly matches, losing 1-2 against Germany and 0-2 against New Zealand, three group stage matches of the 2023 Women's World Cup, losing 0-3 to the U.S., 0-2 to Portugal and 0-7 to Netherlands. Since these were all higher-ranked opponents, Vietnam did not lose not too many points and were able to stay in the top 40.

Vietnam players during the opening game of the Women's World Cup with the U.S. in New Zealand on July 22, 2023. Photo by VnExpress/Duc Dong

Vietnam are still in the top five teams of Asia, behind Japan (8th), Australia (11th), China (15th) and South Korea (20th).

Philippines, who beat hosts New Zealand for a historic World Cup win in the group stage, earned 27.92 points to climb two places to 44th in the world and 7th in Asia. The ranking of Asian teams will continue to change when the Asian Games 19 takes place at the end of September.

The FIFA women's ranking had significant changes after a World Cup with many surprises. The U.S. lost their number one position and dropped to third after being eliminated from the tournament's round of 16. American women's football has lost its number one position for the first time since June 2017.

Sweden rose to the top after winning the World Cup bronze medal, while the champions Spain climbed to second.

Germany dropped the most points (73.89) and fell to 6th, followed by South Korea (66.34), Norway (51.8) and Canada (51.5). Except for Norway, who were eliminated from World Cup's round of 16, the other teams got eliminated from the group stage.

The strongest climb belongs to Morocco with an increase of 104.22 points, up 14 places to 58th. Nigeria (94.14) rose to 32 and Zambia (64.28 points) moved to 69th.