Spain overtake Argentina to top FIFA rankings

Spain have climbed to the top of the FIFA men’s rankings, overtaking Argentina and Lionel Messi, for the first time since June 2014 when they were dethroned as world champions.

Back-to-back wins in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign this month, against Turkey and Bulgaria, pushed the European champions up from second place. Meanwhile, Argentina slipped to third following a qualifying loss to Ecuador, allowing France to move up to No. 2.

England retained fourth place, while Portugal rose to fifth, swapping positions with Brazil after their defeat in Bolivia.

Among non-European teams, Morocco stayed Africa’s best-ranked side at No. 11, while Japan led Asia at No. 19. Both have already secured World Cup qualification.

World Cup co-hosts Mexico and the United States dropped one place each, to 14th and 16th respectively. Canada, the third co-host, gained two places to reach No. 26.

The rankings will be updated again in October and November, with the latter carrying particular significance as they will determine seedings for the 48-team World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington. That draw will include 42 confirmed teams and six placeholders for playoff winners, drawn from the lowest-ranked pot 4 nations — a group that could even include Italy.

Source: AP/UNB