Matildas sink to lowest ranking in 20 years after poor World Cup, Olympics, and SheBelieves Cup

The Matildas’ slippery slope just got a bit steeper with the side slumping to the lowest spot on the FIFA rankings in 20 years.

Australia's defender #14 Alanna Kennedy reacts as US' players celebrate at the end of the women's group B football match between Australia and the USA of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Marseille Stadium in Marseille on July 31, 2024. (Photo by Pascal GUYOT / AFP)

The Matildas’ slippery slope just got a bit steeper with the side slumping to the lowest spot on the FIFA rankings in 20 years.

They have been slipping down the rankings since their semi-final loss at the World Cup and poor Olympics.

After a dismal performance at the SheBelieves Cup where they were outclassed by Japan, USA and Colombia the Matilda’s’ have sunk one place to 16th in the world rankings.

It’s a 20 year low and record worst spot for the Australian women’s national football team.

While Japan who recorded three straight wins rose three places up to fifth.

The Matildas’ struggles at the SheBelieves Cup have translated to a 20-year low in the world rankings. Picture: Getty Images

Going into the FIFA women’s World Cup in 2023 the Matildas’ were ranked 10th, their all time best was climbing to fourth in 2017.

Matilda’s aren’t just losing games though they are struggling to match it on the field. They recorded two shots on target all SheBelieves Cup which ultimately resulted in their only two goals.

The loss of super striker Sam Kerr to an ACL injury in January 2024 has certainly hurt their results on the pitch.

Then there is the ongoing coaching issues.

Tony Gustavsson was let go after the disappointing Olympic campaign and is yet to be replaced by a full time coach.

Tom Sermanni is interim coach, but the Matildas are still yet to appoint a permanent head coach since the Olympics. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

A role unlikely to be filed before the middle of the year.

It is a worrying sign with the Asian Cup now less than a year away.

Japan our major rival for the tournament is on a constant run of improvement- their ranking of fifth their highest in the last five years.

USA remains in top spot with Spain, Germany and England rounding out the top four.

Sweden, Canada and Brazil all dropped one spot due to Japan’s big leap but remain inside the top 10.

Matildas are next due to play South Korea for a two- game series in April.