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Women’s World Cup Power Rankings: Re-ranking all 16 teams after the group stage

By Caden Charpentier

TOPSHOT - Japan's midfielder #07 Hinata Miyazawa celebrates with her teammates after scoring her team's first goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group C football match between Japan and Spain at Wellington Stadium, also known as Sky Stadium, in Wellington on July 31, 2023. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP) (Photo by MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images)
TOPSHOT - Japan's midfielder #07 Hinata Miyazawa celebrates with her teammates after scoring her team's first goal during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group C football match between Japan and Spain at Wellington Stadium, also known as Sky Stadium, in Wellington on July 31, 2023. (Photo by Marty MELVILLE / AFP) (Photo by MARTY MELVILLE/AFP via Getty Images) /
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DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND – JULY 30: Switzerland players celebrate going through to the knock out stage after the scoreless draw in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between Switzerland and New Zealand at Dunedin Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Dunedin / Ōtepoti, New Zealand. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND – JULY 30: Switzerland players celebrate going through to the knock out stage after the scoreless draw in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group A match between Switzerland and New Zealand at Dunedin Stadium on July 30, 2023 in Dunedin / Ōtepoti, New Zealand. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) /

No. 12: Nigeria

FIFA Ranking: 40

Not Canada, but Nigeria powered its way out of the “group of death” along with Australia. Despite the lack of support from its own federation and the drama that ensued ahead of the tournament, Randy Waldrum’s team went unbeaten in the most difficult group. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was remarkable for the Super Falcons through three matches, keeping two clean sheets while saving a penalty from international soccer’s all-time leading scorer.

Similar to its fellow African teams, and the Reggae Girlz, this qualification meant a whole lot given the struggle it took to get there. Defensively, Waldrum’s team held down the fort, supporting the true strength of this side, its attacking players. Asisat Oshoala, Ifeoma Onumonu among others have that quality and finishing gene to unlock even the best backlines. Drawing England is incredibly unlucky, but for the Super Falcons to even reach this point deserves immense plaudits.

No. 11: Denmark

FIFA Ranking: 13

In its first Women’s World Cup since 2007, Denmark’s WNT did what it had to do in a group with the Lionesses. Pernille Harder and the Danes took down China in the most dramatic of fashions to kick off the World Cup. Following a defeat to the defending European champions, the Danish eliminated Haiti in Perth, Australia by way of a convincing two-goal display. The hosts, Australia awaits in the knockout round, an opponent no nation wants to see following its thumping of Canada to finish off Group B play.

A lot is going to be on the weight of Bayern Munich attacker Harder. She does have support though from the likes of Arsenal’s Kathrine Kühl in the midfield, and Karen Holmgaard in the backline just to name a few. Whatever happens for this nation going forward is a bonus. The Red and White won just one match last summer during the Euros, bowing out in the group stage. For a national team that has made it past the group stage for the first time since 1995 this year, the 2023 World Cup is without question a sign of a turning point.

No. 10: Switzerland

FIFA Ranking: 20

The only group to have four teams fall short of six points was Group A. Inka Grings’ Switzerland finished as the group winners. It began the competition on a positive note, taking down debutants, the Philippines by a score of 2-0. The Swiss concluded group play with back-to-back 0-0 matches against co-hosts New Zealand, and fellow European outfit Norway.

This is Switzerland’s second appearance at a Women’s World Cup, reaching the round of 16 on both occasions. The fact that this team has only won one game so far during the 2023 calendar year is a bit concerning with win-or-go-home matches up next. Despite winning the group, the Swiss receive a brutal draw, encountering the Spanish at the top of the knockout stage bracket.

No. 9: Norway

FIFA Ranking: 12

Even though the Norwegians finished behind Switzerland in Group A, it was the way they finished group play that puts them a spot better than the Swiss. Six goals including three by Sophie Román Haug gave the European power a triumph over the Group A debutant and a knockout stage berth. From the jump, it was looking as if the 12th-ranked team in the world was going to be packing its bags after three games.

When Hannah Wilkinson’s strike found the back of the net, and Caroline Graham Hansen was left out of the starting XI against the Red Crosses, Hege Riise’s team looked doomed. The quality finally showed when their backs were against the wall. Japan, one of the competition’s most in-form teams may be on the horizon, but this Norway team is a lot better than a Group A runners-up. The Norwegians built vital confidence heading into the Round of 16 with the hope that their individual talent guides them into the quarterfinals for the seventh time.