Despite an Olympic spying scandal that cost Canada a six-point penalty and the loss of its coach, the Canadian women’s soccer team has climbed two spots to sixth in the latest FIFA world rankings.
Canada, who went to Paris as the reigning Olympic champions, were rewarded for their performance on the field, recording victories over France, New Zealand and Colombia after points were deducted. They advanced to the knockout stage, losing in a shootout to Germany in the quarterfinals.
FIFA subsequently suspended coach Bev Priestman and two members of her staff for a year. Canada Soccer launched an independent investigation into the scandal.
Canada’s highest position was in March 2018, when it held the fourth spot.
The United States, which won Olympic gold in Paris, climbed four places to return to the top spot after a year away from the summit.
England, who were not part of the Olympic competition, moved up to second ahead of Spain, the former world number one. The latter lost to Brazil in the semi-finals and to Germany in the bronze medal match. The Germans remained fourth.
Sweden moved into the top-5, followed by Canada. Japan (7e), Brazil (8e), silver medalist in Paris, North Korea (9e) and France (10e) complete the top 10. France fell eight places.
The French women find themselves in their lowest position since September 2019, having lost to Brazil in the quarter-finals in Paris and being beaten by Ireland before the Olympics.