The United States women's national team has fallen to fourth place in the latest FIFA rankings, its lowest point since FIFA began ranking women's teams in 2003.
Before Friday, American women had never been ranked lower than No. 2 in the world. Spain, England and France make up the top three, in that order.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
The USWNT beat Brazil 1-0 in the Concacaf W Gold Cup final on Sunday, but the 2-0 loss to Mexico in the final group match is what dropped them in the overall standings. according to FIFA.
Mexico rose to 31st overall on Friday from 35th overall. Mexico failed to qualify for last year's World Cup.
Mexico beat the United States in February for the second time in its history, with goals from Lizbeth Ovalle and Mayra Pelayo in the group stage victory. They were the first goal conceded by the United States to a Concacaf opponent in 33 games.
The United States entered the game 40-1-1 against its continental rival, with its only previous loss a 2-1 loss during Women's World Cup qualifying in 2010.
It was the United States' first loss under interim coach Twila Kilgore, who took over after the team's dramatic elimination from the Women's World Cup last summer in the round of 16.
Chelsea coach Emma Hayes will replace Kilgore this spring.
The USWNT has won every Concacaf tournament it has participated in, for a total of 15 regional titles.
The recent tournament marked the first Women's Gold Cup, created to provide women's teams in the Concacaf region with more competitive matches. Twelve teams played group stage games in three cities: Carson, San Diego and Houston.
“I think it shows how far the game is coming and there are no easy games anymore,” Kilgore said after the loss to Mexico. “And if we don't take care of business and execute it, that's to be expected.”
The USWNT will next play two SheBelieves Cup games in April. The next FIFA ranking will be published on June 14.
