Which teams are in women's Olympics soccer tournament? Qualified countries and FIFA ranking for Paris 2024 football

In the upcoming Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, the women's soccer tournament will feature teams from around the globe competing from July 25 to August 10, 2024.

This event marks a continuation of football's long-standing presence at the Olympics, dating back to its introduction in the 1900 Paris Games (excluding the 1932 Los Angeles Games).

Women's soccer joined the program in 1996 in Atlanta, and since then, it has grown to become a significant part of the Olympic tradition. USA have been particularly successful, securing gold medals in Atlanta, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012. Canada are the reigning champions, having clinched gold at Tokyo 2020.

Heading into Paris 2024, the US Women’s National Team, led by new head coach Emma Hayes, are aiming to reclaim gold. Strong competition awaits them in a challenging group stage that includes powerhouses such as Germany and Australia. Host nation France, along with Canada, Brazil, Spain, and Japan, are also expected to contend for top honours.

Spain, the top-ranked team according to FIFA, will be among the leading contenders in the tournament, adding to the excitement and anticipation of thrilling matches ahead.

Which teams are in women's Olympics soccer tournament? Qualified nations and FIFA ranking

Spain's victory in the 2023 Women's World Cup propelled them to the top of FIFA's rankings, surpassing France, who sit in second place.

Among the teams competing in the women's Olympics soccer tournament, USA, France, Germany Brazil, Canada, and Japan also ranks within FIFA's top 10.

Teams in women's Olympics soccer tournament and FIFA ranking

How often has the top-ranked team won gold in women's Olympic soccer?

Since women's soccer joined the Olympic program in 1996 at the Atlanta Games, it has showcased some of the world's best talents. The United States have been particularly dominant, securing gold medals in Atlanta, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, and London 2012. Germany triumphed at Rio 2016, and Canada claimed victory most recently at Tokyo 2020.

The FIFA rankings for the women's team came into existence in 2003, so the question of how often the top-ranked side went on to win gold is a little skewed. However, it has still happened only twice at five tournaments.

How are FIFA rankings calculated?

FIFA rankings for women's soccer are calculated using a points-based system that evaluates team performance in international matches. Here's how it works:

1. Points System : Each team starts with a base number of points, which can increase or decrease based on match results.

2. Match Result Impact : The points gained or lost depend on whether a team wins, loses, or draws a match. Wins earn more points than draws, and losses result in a deduction of points.

3. Opponent Strength : The strength of the opponent also affects the points gained or lost. Beating a higher-ranked team yields more points than defeating a lower-ranked one.

4. Match Importance : Different matches carry varying weights. For example, World Cup matches carry more weight than friendly matches.

5. Time Decay : Points earned from matches diminish over time, encouraging teams to consistently perform well to maintain or improve their ranking.

Example Calculation :

Let's say Team A, ranked 3rd, plays a match against Team B, ranked 15th.

• Before the match, Team A has 2000 points.
• Team B has 1800 points.

If Team A wins the match:

• Team A might earn 20 points for defeating a team ranked lower (hypothetical example).

The new points for Team A:

• 2000 (original points) + 20 (points earned from the match) = 2020 points.

For Team B:

• Points may decrease, depending on the loss.

This system ensures that teams are ranked based on recent performance against competitive opponents, providing a snapshot of their standing in international women's soccer.

When are FIFA rankings updated?

FIFA rankings are refreshed following each recognised international window and are typically updated multiple times annually in line with the FIFA calendar.

The most recent update occurred in June 2024.