Women’s World Cup 2023 power rankings: breaking the finalists down

The European champions’ momentum suffered a blow when defeat to Australia ended their 30-game unbeaten run. In contrast, they also added the Finalissima to their ever-expanding trophy cabinet this window. The Lionesses are still favourites with time to fix any problems.

It feels wrong to knock the back-to-back world champions off the top spot. They are still a force but defeats to Spain, England and Germany at the tail end of 2022 showed there is work to do. That may already be in progress as they are unbeaten this year.

Defeat against Brazil will have surprised many, but Germany undoubtedly remain on track. Victory over the Netherlands showed their ability. The injury Alexandra Popp picked up in Nuremberg is a worry.

New-look France, with controversial manager Corinne Diacre gone and Hervé Renard in, seem happier. A resilient recovery against Colombia in Renard’s first game was followed by a 2-1 defeat of the Olympic champions, Canada.

Australia finished their overseas tour with optimism. Despite losing to Scotland, they then beat the European champions England. Their reliance on Sam Kerr staying fit could be a concern. But with their captain, the Matildas possess plenty of potential.

Despite missing 15 key players after a falling out with the federation over conditions, Spain just keep winning. Wins against Norway and China came in this window. They could be formidable if the impasse with the players is resolved in time.

How Canada will look this summer remains unanswered. A pay dispute and injuries have taken their toll. That they lost narrowly to France shows the character of the Olympic champions can not be discounted.

Brazil are without Marta, Debinha and Ludmila, but only narrowly lost to England on penalties in