The Football Ferns are the only team in Oceania to hold a ranking on the list, as the other member associations have been deemed inactive for the minimum period of 18 months and are therefore not ranked.
New Zealand achieved their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 16 in December 2013 after a successful campaign at the inaugural Valais Women’s Cup in Switzerland, defeating Brazil in the semi-finals and then going on to win 4-0 against China in the final to lift the trophy of the two-day competition.
Going into 2014, the Ferns had a less than stellar start after back to back tournament losses in the Yongchuan Women’s International.
New Zealand were also unable to repeat the performances that won them third place in the Cyprus Cup in 2013. A draw and two losses in the group stage greatly dampened New Zealand’s chances and the Ferns were pitted against Finland in the 11th/12th place play-off match.
Sarah Gregorius scored late in the first half, putting New Zealand up 1-0 and recording the first win of 2014.
However with continual strong performances by the top teams such as USA and Germany, as well as by eventual Cyprus Cup tournament winners France and runners-up England, New Zealand are now placed 20th in the world heading into the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying later this year.
The Ferns next play number three-ranked and Women’s World Cup trophy holders Japan on May 8, and coach Tony Readings acknowledges the challenge the world cup winners will pose.
“We’ll cause Japan lots of problems but we won’t get as many chances against teams at that level. If we want to do really well at the World Cup and Olympics and strive towards that gold medal we’ve got to be more clinical because we may only get four or five quality chances.”

Share