The U.S. women’s national team ended the year ranked No. 1 in the FIFA rankings.
Emma Hayes’ side won gold at the Paris Olympics, marking a turnaround in form since finishing last year as world champions and establishing Spain as a powerhouse in women’s football.
The United States defeated Brazil 1-0 in the final and won in France, moving up four spots to first place in the August FIFA rankings. And it maintained first place in this year’s final rankings released last Friday.
World champion Spain took first place at the beginning of the year, but fell to third place after losing in the Olympic bronze medal match. In the latest rankings, it was ranked 2nd.
European champions England fell from second to fourth. Germany, Olympic bronze medal winner, took third place.
The United States dominated women’s soccer, winning four World Cups and five Olympic gold medals, but lost to Sweden in last year’s World Cup and was eliminated in the round of 16.
Hayes, who won 15 major trophies with Chelsea, including seven Women’s Super League titles, took over as USA coach last May and quickly led the team to a tournament win at the Paris Olympics.
