U.S. women's soccer team steals No. 1 spot from World Cup champion Spain

In 2024, the Canadian women's soccer team experienced a year of significant challenges yet concluded the year unchanged at No. 6 in the FIFA rankings. Without their veteran player Christine Sinclair, who retired from international play in December 2023, Canada maintained a strong performance. Under the interim coach Cindy Tye, the national team navigated through various competitions, achieving a 9-0-7 record with three of the draws resulting in penalty shootout losses. Their final match of the year was a 5-1 victory over South Korea, showcasing their offensive strength, having outscored opponents 33-10 throughout the year. Despite the challenges faced during the year, such as the Olympics and CONCACAF W Gold Cup, Canada demonstrated resilience. The United States, who won the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup and Olympic gold, reclaimed the top spot in the FIFA rankings, pushing Spain to No. 2 and Germany to No. 3. England had a disappointing drop to No. 4. This reshuffling of the rankings highlighted the dominance of the USA and the emergence of other teams in women's soccer. As Canada eyes the future, the landscape of women's soccer is poised for change with the upcoming Northern Super League, which aims to enhance the competitive environment for female soccer players within the country. The league, featuring teams from major Canadian cities, is expected to elevate the profile of women's soccer and create more opportunities for young talents to excel. Looking ahead, Canada’s persistence in competing at high levels without key players indicates a bright outlook. Their successful run in 2024 lays the groundwork for future successes as they integrate new talents from the Northern Super League and continue to build on their legacy in women's soccer. The combination of strong performances, strategic coaching changes, and the establishment of a professional league reflects a positive trend for the future of women's soccer in Canada.