USWNT knocked off FIFA world rankings top spot following early World Cup exit

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The United States women’s national team (USWNT) no longer holds the top spot in FIFA’s world rankings. 

The U.S. is now third in the world after holding the top spot since June 2017, replaced by Sweden, who defeated the U.S. in the round of 16 at the 2023 World Cup. 

USA feeling shattered after being defeated by Sweden during a game between Sweden and USWNT at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 6, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia.  (Richard Callis/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

It’s the first time the U.S. team has been out of the top two in the FIFA rankings since they were introduced in 2003, according to Reuters. 

MEGAN RAPINOE DISMISSES USWNT CRITICISM AFTER EARLY WOMEN'S WORLD CUP EXIT, CALLS IT 'FAKE' AND 'DISINGENUOUS'

World Cup winner Spain now holds the second spot with England and France rounding out the top five. 

The drop out of the top spot comes after the USWNT failed to live up to expectations at the World Cup, experiencing their earliest exit after winning the World Cup in 2015 and 2019

Against Sweden, the USWNT lost 5-4 in penalties, with Megan Rapinoe launching her penalty kick over the top bar. Sweden came back and defeated the U.S. in the matchup.

USWNT prepare for penalty kicks during a game between Sweden and USWNT at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on August 6, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia.  (Richard Callis/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The U.S. team faced criticism after being eliminated from the World Cup, including from analysts Carli Lloyd and Alexi Lalas, and even former President Donald Trump. 

Earlier this week, co-captain Lindsey Horan said the team did