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Aditya Gokhale

Lionel Messi's champions dethroned! Argentina knocked off top of FIFA rankings less than one year before World Cup defence

Lamine Yamal's Spain have stormed back to the summit of international football, claiming top spot from Lionel Messi's Argentina in the latest FIFA men's world rankings for the first time since 2014. Their rise comes after victories over Turkey and Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying, ending the world champions' two-year reign at the top, as they slip to third following a costly defeat to Ecuador, with France moving up to second.

  • Lamine Yamal Spain EURO 2024Getty Images

    World Champions Argentina drop to third as Spain go top

    Spain’s resurgence is a significant boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which they will enter as champions of Europe. For Argentina, losing their grip on the rankings doesn’t erase their status as holders, but raises questions about consistency heading into their title defence in North America next year. France’s steady climb keeps them within striking distance of overtaking La Roja in the coming months.

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  • England stay fourth while Portugal rise to fifth

    Elsewhere, England stayed in fourth, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal climbed to fifth, overtaking Brazil, who now sit sixth after a series of poor results. Morocco and Japan remain the highest-ranked teams in Africa and Asia, reflecting their growing strength on the global stage. Mexico continue to lead CONCACAF, holding 14th place, ahead of the United States in 16th.

  • The full FIFA rankings (1-20)

    Here are the top 20 FIFA men's teams, according to their rankings: 

    World rankingNational teamPoints
    1Spain1875.37
    2France 1870.92
    3Argentina 1870.32
    4England 1820.44
    5Portugal 1779.55
    6Brazil 1761.60
    7Netherlands 1754.17
    8Belgium 1739.54
    9Croatia 1714.20
    10Italy 1710.06
    11Morocco 1706.27
    12Germany 1704.27
    13Colombia 1692.10
    14Mexico 1688.38
    15Uruguay 1673.65
    16USA 1670.04
    17Switzerland 1648.30
    18Senegal 1645.23
    19Japan 1640.47
    20Denmark 1627.64

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  • 2026 World Cup TrophyGetty Images

    Attention now on World Cup 2026 draw

    Attention now turns to the November update of the FIFA rankings, which will determine the all-important seedings for the expanded 48-team World Cup. The draw for the tournament takes place on December 5 in Washington. With margins at the top razor-thin, the battle for supremacy remains far from settled.

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