RANKED: The 5 best women's international teams in the world | OneFootball

Now that the first international break of 2025 is at a close, it’s the perfect time to assess the best nations in women's football.

We are at the beginning of a crucial couple of years in world football, with the 2025 edition of the Women's Euro set to take place in Switzerland this summer, and the 2027 World Cup in Brazil just around the corner too. As the rest of the world catches up, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the top teams to maintain their place among the elite.

This international break has been telling, with the United States, Japan, and Australia battling it out in the SheBelieves Cup. Across the Atlantic, the European nations have kicked off their 2025 Nations League campaigns.

Here, 90min ranks the top five nations in world football ahead of a big year for the women's game…

5. Sweden

Sweden are the fifth best international team in women's football / Jan Kruger/GettyImages

Several teams are worthy of a place in the top five, including the 2021 Olympic champions Canada and last year’s silver medalists Brazil. However, it is Sweden's consistency in major tournaments that keeps them here.Euro semi-finalists in 2022 and World Cup semi-finalists in 2023, they were beaten by the eventual champions on both occasions. That said, their last major honour was secured back in 1984, so to move further up this list, they must clinch one of world football's biggest prizes.

4. England

England will have a point to prove at the Euros this summer / Soccrates Images/GettyImages

It's fair to say that England's record in the last two major tournaments keeps them on this list, but their recent form has been somewhat disappointing. Becoming European champions and reaching a World Cup final doesn't just happen, and it is Sarina Wiegman who has masterminded this golden period.That being said, the Lionesses have everything to prove this summer if they're to reclaim their status as Europe's finest, and subsequently move higher up this list. The calibre of players England boasts speaks for itself, but there is work to be done to make everything click when it counts the most.

3. Germany

Germany are back on an upward trajectory / Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/GettyImages

No team has come close to matching Germany's record in the European Championship. With eight trophies to their name, the next best nation is Norway with two. While much of the respect and admiration for them is rooted in historical success, they are still proving they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.Their Euro 2022 performance was special, and they narrowly missed out on a staggering ninth title against England at Wembley. Their World Cup performance 12 months later was disappointing, but their recent form suggests they are back on an upward trajectory.Germany's victory over England at the end of last year, albeit in a friendly, marked Christian Wuck's first game in charge of the national team. Although their form has been a little inconsistent under the new coach as they navigate this transitional period, they cannot be ruled out of claiming another European title this summer.

2. Spain

Spain are the current world champions / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

Although the current world champions are experiencing a slight dip in form following their early exit from the Olympics last year, there is no denying the quality within their ranks. Aitana Bonmati is still the best player in the world, and they are undoubtedly the favourites to lift the Euro trophy in July.Spain's national teams dominate football in both the men's and women's games, and that status will not be going anywhere anytime soon.

The USWNT are enjoying plenty of success under Emma Hayes / Robin Alam/ISI Photos/GettyImages

It's no surprise. The best team in the world right now is the Olympic champions. Emma Hayes had a significant task ahead when she took charge of the USWNT last summer, given their disappointing finish at the 2023 World Cup, but in a short space of time, she has restored their status as the very best.Whether it's the promising young talents coming through the ranks or the current generation of superstars, the USWNT is a team to fear. Attention is slowly shifting towards the 2027 World Cup, and Hayes will no doubt be determined to guide them to glory once again.