As the echoes of recent international tournaments fade, a new drumbeat begins for the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup in Brazil. Two years might seem a leisurely stroll away, yet the early whispers of who holds the power on the global stage have already begun. These `way too early` power rankings are less a definitive prophecy and more a snapshot, a momentary pause in the ever-accelerating evolution of women`s football.
Predicting the future of sports can be a fool`s errand, but the recent flurry of major competitions – from the UEFA Women`s Euro to the Women`s Afcon and the Copa America Femenina, not to mention the Olympics – offers a compelling mosaic of current form, tactical innovation, and emerging talent. While the host nation, Brazil, already has its ticket punched, the rest of the world is preparing for qualification battles set to ignite later this year. So, let`s peer into our decidedly imperfect crystal ball and assess the contenders based on their current trajectory.
The Unshakeable Giants: Redefining Dominance
1. USWNT
Despite a brief stumble in 2023, the U.S. Women`s National Team has emphatically reasserted its dominance, culminating in an Olympic gold medal in Paris. Under the strategic guidance of coach Emma Hayes, the team isn`t just winning; it`s evolving, showcasing unprecedented depth and tactical versatility. Hayes`s focus on long-term program goals and player development has transformed them from simply a collection of individual stars into a cohesive, adaptable force. Their recent five-game win streak, featuring victories against strong opponents, underlines their return to the top, setting a gold standard that others aspire to. The USWNT remains the benchmark for performance, attacking prowess, and now, tactical sophistication.
2. England
Hot on their heels, the Lionesses have roared their way into history, securing back-to-back UEFA Women`s Euro titles. Manager Sarina Wiegman has instilled a remarkable blend of resilience and tactical acumen. Their recent European triumph, marked by comeback victories and penalty shootout drama, was a testament to their grit – sometimes, glory truly comes at a price, as evidenced by a defender playing through a fractured tibia. England`s extended reign over Europe makes them an undeniable global contender, proving they can win ugly as well as beautifully.
3. Spain
The reigning 2023 World Cup champions, Spain, continue to mesmerize with their possession-based, technically brilliant football. While the Euro final ended in penalty heartbreak, their journey to the final solidified their status as a top-tier side. With midfield maestros like Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, and Patri Guijarro orchestrating play, Spain’s style isn`t just effective; it`s a masterclass in control. They will have another chance to make a statement in the upcoming UEFA Nations League, but their Euro performance showed once again they`re a top side in the world, promising continued elite performance.
The Host and the Challengers: Ambition and Ascent
4. Brazil
As the host nation for 2027, Brazil automatically qualifies, but their ambition extends far beyond mere participation. An Olympic silver medal finish in 2024 and current dominance in the Copa America suggest a team hitting its stride. Under manager Arthur Elias, the squad blends traditional Brazilian flair with a newfound defensive solidity. The enduring presence of icon Marta continues to inspire a new generation of players, creating a powerful narrative for a home World Cup. They are not just participating; they are on the hunt for another Copa America championship, with Uruguay, Colombia, and Argentina hoping to disrupt their run.
5. Germany
Germany, a nation with an undeniable footballing pedigree, navigated a challenging Euro campaign to reach the semifinals. Despite facing numerous hurdles and key injuries, their ability to find a way, often through heroic goalkeeping, underscores their enduring quality. Although Lena Oberdorf has been sidelined with an ACL injury, young talents like Jule Brand, Klara Bühl, and Sjoeke Nüsken are ready to carry the torch. Germany remains a force that can never be underestimated, always a threat when it matters most.
The Persistent Threats and Unpredictable Forces
6. Sweden
Always a formidable opponent, Sweden often finds itself playing the role of spoiler rather than champion. Their recent Euro quarterfinal exit, squandering a two-goal lead against England, was a familiar narrative. Veteran Kosovare Asllani spoke up for her squad against critics who underrated them, yet they remain outside the top five. Despite constantly being the obstacle in others` success stories rather than having a trophy of their own, they`re still a tough opponent who will remain a top-ten team with plenty of talent in the pipeline with Rosa Kafaji and Hanna Bennison.
7. Japan
The Nadeshiko of Japan showcased their disciplined technicality and unpredictable attacking play by delivering an early loss to the USWNT and claiming the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. Their strength lies in collective responsibility and precision, making them a uniquely challenging opponent. Their ability to share attacking responsibility offers a layer of unpredictability for defenders. As they integrate more youth with their experienced core, Japan`s trajectory points towards even greater strength and a balance with their veterans.
8. France
Despite a wealth of individual attacking talent, France continues to grapple with consistency in high-stakes tournaments. Another quarterfinal exit at the Euros, amidst controversial roster decisions (leaving off veterans Eugénie Le Sommer and Wendie Renard), raises questions about their ability to translate potential into consistent knockout-stage success. With exciting talents like Delphine Cascarino, Marie Antoinette Katoto, and Sandy Baltimore, their ceiling is undoubtedly high, but the path to achieving it remains perplexing and elusive in critical moments.
9. Nigeria
Defying systemic challenges and resource limitations, Nigeria`s Super Falcons reclaimed their mantle as Africa`s best with their tenth Women`s Afcon title. This group caused England plenty of anxiety and troubles during the 2023 World Cup. Often overlooked in global rankings, their sheer tenacity and the explosive talent of players like Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, and Jennifer Echegini make them a team capable of causing serious upsets. Their “Mission X” for a tenth title, after missing out in 2022, is a testament to their unwavering spirit. It’s high time they featured prominently not just in kit rankings, but in actual power discussions.
10. Canada
This team is currently hanging on by a thread in the top ten. While they possess great players whose individual talents can determine outcomes, the program has somewhat regressed since their glorious 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medal run. The federation’s hiring of Casey Stoney as coach offers a beacon of hope, but as Stoney herself vocally pointed out after a July loss to the USWNT, the program and players fell short. The roster needs significantly more support and development if they are to improve and reclaim their former glory.
Honorable Mentions: On the Cusp
- Italy: The roster showed significant evolution under head coach Andrea Soncin. They defied expectations during the Euro with a mix of tactical awareness and key players stepping up, bowing out of the semifinals against eventual winners England. If they can work on defensive lapses and build on their tactics, a leap into the top ten is within reach.
- Colombia: Las Chicas Superpoderosas aren`t some imitation Powerpuff Girls, but a group who have emerged as bona fide continental figures for South America. They`re currently on the hunt to take Brazil`s crown in the Copa America, and with Chelsea FC`s Mayra Ramirez and Real Madrid`s Linda Caicedo, they could rival the crown and leap into our rankings.
- Netherlands: The Dutch look like an evaporating version of their 2017 Euro championship run. An early elimination from their Euro `group of death` means the federation needs to get the next coaching hire right, as they`ll have to tackle questions around an aging squad and how to rejuvenate the team in the build-up to the 2027 World Cup, a full decade from their historic Euro title-run.
The road to the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup is long and fraught with unexpected turns. These early rankings are merely a compass point in a rapidly shifting landscape, a conversation starter for the formidable battles ahead in qualifying rounds and beyond. What`s certain is that the coming years will be a captivating display of talent, strategy, and resilience, culminating in what promises to be an unforgettable tournament in Brazil. The beautiful game, in its women`s iteration, continues to captivate and evolve, promising drama and excellence at every turn.
