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Kathmandu – Nepal’s national women’s football team has made a historic leap in the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, climbing 13 spots to reach 87th position, the highest ever in the country’s football history.

This remarkable achievement surpasses Nepal’s previous best FIFA ranking of 91st, recorded on December 15, 2017. FIFA has been publishing the women’s world rankings since 2003, and this marks a new milestone for the nation.

Global Ranking Shifts

At the top of the global chart, Spain has overtaken the United States to claim the No. 1 position, pushing the US down to second. Previously, the USA held the top spot, with Spain in second.

Sweden moved up from sixth to third, while England climbed from fifth to fourth. Germany, previously third, dropped to fifth, and France rose four spots to secure the sixth position. Brazil, Japan, Canada, and South Korea round out the top ten, ranking seventh through tenth, respectively — all dropping slightly compared to the previous rankings.

Nepal’s Standing in Asia and South Asia

Among Asian countries, Nepal is now ranked 16th, with Japan leading the continent at 8th position globally.

In South Asia, India continues to lead the region, ranked 67th globally and 12th in Asia. Nepal follows as South Asia’s second-best team.

Bangladesh recorded the most dramatic improvement globally, jumping 24 places to reach 104th in the world and 19th in Asia, making them South Asia’s third-best team.

Other South Asian nations include:

• Pakistan: 154th (up 3 spots) – 31st in Asia

• Sri Lanka: 161st (down 2) – 35th in Asia

• Bhutan: 163rd (up 8) – 36th in Asia

• Maldives: 165th (down 2) – 38th in Asia

A Growing Force

Nepal’s rise in the FIFA rankings is the result of consistent efforts and improving performances by the national team in recent international fixtures. With continued development, Nepal is now emerging as a growing force in Asian women’s football.

Source: FIFA Women's World Ranking, August 2025 Update