FIFA RANKING: Argentina Slip Off First Place, See New List

FIFA RANKING: Argentina Slip Off First Place, See New List

Spain has climbed back to the summit of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in more than a decade, dethroning Argentina after an impressive run in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The new standings, published on FIFA’s official X handle on Thursday, mark Spain’s first return to top spot since 2014. Argentina, who had been No.1 since April 2023, slipped to third, with France rising to second.

Portugal, Croatia, and Italy also made slight gains, moving into fifth, ninth, and tenth places respectively. Brazil dropped to sixth after a poor stretch of results, while Germany crashed to 12th following a shock defeat to Slovakia—falling out of the top 10 for the first time since October 2024.

Slovakia emerged as the biggest climbers, surging 10 places to 42nd thanks to back-to-back wins in qualifiers, including their upset over Germany.

Morocco stayed just outside the top 10 after eight wins in their last nine matches, while other notable risers included The Gambia, Madagascar, Paraguay, Uganda, Libya, Suriname, and the Faroe Islands, each moving up by at least five places.

Co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Canada, improved two spots to 26th, while Kosovo reached a historic milestone, climbing four places to 91st.

The reshuffled rankings underline the shifting balance of power in world football as nations intensify preparations for upcoming qualifiers and tournaments.