The latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking shows plenty of movement within the top 20 but none at the very summit, where USA (1st, unchanged) continue to reign.

The concluding FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Europe and the Tournament of Nations undoubtedly made their mark further down though, with several sides making significant gains. Among the most prominent are Australia (6th, up 2) and England (3rd, up 1), who swap places with France (4th, down 1).

The Matildas registered 33 points – the highest number among teams in the top 50 – after beating Brazil and Japan and drawing with their American hosts at that star-studded Tournament of Nations.

Sweden (9th, up 2), meanwhile, enter the top ten on the back of their World Cup qualifying win away to Denmark, while Scotland (19th, up 2) – who qualified for the global finals for the first time – equal their best-ever Ranking position.

Venezuela (54th, up 4) have gone better still, setting a new Ranking best, while the likes of China PR (15th, up 2), Croatia (50th, up 3) and Jamaica (64th, up 7) can also celebrate noteworthy rises.

More positive news has come with the return of ten teams to the Ranking, including three apiece from both Central America and Oceania, which left the table with 147 teams – its highest number in three years.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published on 7 December 2018.