Women’s Soccer Quarterfinals Power Rankings 1-8 Olympic Games Paris 2024
Ruben Chavez
Host · Writer
1. U.S
The U.S. has been, in my opinion, the best team in the tournament. Despite some defensive lapses, they have only conceded two goals and never looked in danger of losing any of their games. Manager Emma Hayes has brought out the best in her squad and has them primed to win their first gold since 2012. Offensively, the USWNT has lit the tournament up. Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman have found their stride and have combined to score seven goals. The States have found their mojo and look like the team to beat.
8. Brazil
Brazil has yet to look good at this tournament thus far. Their only win was a narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria. While they did play well against Japan when they were matched up against Spain, the gulf of quality was stark. It is a transitional period as some older players reach the end of their careers. Another reason for the low rating is that their legend Marta received a straight red and will miss the next two games. It will be a tough test for them against France, and there isn’t overwhelming evidence that they’ll have enough to pass it.
7. Colombia
Colombia made history by winning their first-ever Olympic match and making the knockouts for the first time ever. Their midfield and attack have shown themselves to be very dangerous. They’ll be bolstered by the return of their striker, Mayra Ramirez, who missed their last two group games due to a red card. Like Brazil, Colombia is in danger of playing without their leading scorer. Forward Catalina Usme is dealing with a hip injury, making their difficult match against Spain even harder.
6. Japan
The Japanese have shown great resolve in the games thus far and have found the back of the net in all their games. They came back to beat Brazil, and despite their loss against Spain, they looked like a tough team. Their ranking reflects their defensive frailty. They could not keep a clean sheet in any of their games, and they will again face a tough side as they take on the States. The U.S. has scored more goals than any other team, and Japan will find it tough to keep them off the scoresheet.
5. France
France finished top of their group, and history is on their side as they’ve never lost a match to Brazil. They may be without their captain defender, Wendie Renard, and for a side that has blown leads and looked shaky in defense, she could be a big miss. France also has the Golden Boot leader on their squad, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who has five goals and is a constant threat to score. Facing a short-handed Brazil squad, they’ll back themselves to continue their Olympic journey.
4. Canada
Canada’s tournament could’ve been derailed completely by the drone spying scandal, which cost them six points and ended with their head coach, Bev Priestman, suspended. However, they have shown incredible resilience, coming from behind to beat France and winning every single one of their group-stage matches. Les Rouges have shown great solidarity and camaraderie in the scandal's aftermath. They have some real momentum and will be motivated to defend their title and silence the critics.
3. Germany
Germany may feel high for some in these rankings. Their 4-1 loss to the U.S. showed some of their inconsistency. Still, this is a rock-solid squad, extremely well-balanced, and they do not have apparent weaknesses when they are playing at their best. They also have Lea Schüller, who has a prolific scoring record with 39 goals in 36 matches for Germany. Their matchup with Canada is the most even on paper and could go either way. But they’ll be confident in their ability to beat any team when they are at their best.
2. Spain
Spain is the world's top-ranked team. They are the current World Cup champions and have looked strong at these Olympics. La Roja boasts one of the best midfields on the planet with Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Patricia Guijarro. But don’t overlook their defense. They’ve only conceded one goal, the lowest in the tournament. Spain have also won 19 of their last 21 games, showing their consistency and ability.
1. U.S
The U.S. has been, in my opinion, the best team in the tournament. Despite some defensive lapses, they have only conceded two goals and never looked in danger of losing any of their games. Manager Emma Hayes has brought out the best in her squad and has them primed to win their first gold since 2012. Offensively, the USWNT has lit the tournament up. Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith, and Trinity Rodman have found their stride and have combined to score seven goals. The States have found their mojo and look like the team to beat.
8. Brazil
Brazil has yet to look good at this tournament thus far. Their only win was a narrow 1-0 victory over Nigeria. While they did play well against Japan when they were matched up against Spain, the gulf of quality was stark. It is a transitional period as some older players reach the end of their careers. Another reason for the low rating is that their legend Marta received a straight red and will miss the next two games. It will be a tough test for them against France, and there isn’t overwhelming evidence that they’ll have enough to pass it.
