Spain have replaced Argentina as the world’s No. 1 team in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings following their triumph at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Nigeria remain 26th globally.
The latest rankings, released after the conclusion of the World Cup in North America, reflect significant changes across the global football landscape following Spain’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final in New Jersey.
Spain Return to the Summit
Spain climbed to the top of the FIFA rankings after winning their second FIFA World Cup title, courtesy of Ferran Torres’ 106th-minute winner against Argentina.
The triumph earned La Roja a massive 121.17 ranking points, taking their total to 1,995.88 points and lifting them above every other nation to become the world’s highest-ranked team.
Argentina Slip to Second
Defending world champions Argentina dropped to second place with 1,970.37 points after losing the World Cup final.
Lionel Scaloni’s side briefly reclaimed the live No. 1 ranking after defeating England in the semi-finals, but the final defeat saw La Albiceleste surrender the top spot to Spain.
France, England and Brazil Complete Top Five
France retained third place with 1,948.97 points, despite a 6-4 defeat to England in their final placement match.
England remained fourth with 1,922.83 points, while Brazil climbed to fifth on 1,804.92 points, despite suffering a surprise defeat to Norway.
Morocco Lead Africa, Nigeria Drop to Fourth
Morocco strengthened their position as Africa’s highest-ranked team, climbing to sixth in the world with 1,803.99 points after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals.
Egypt also moved ahead of Nigeria following an impressive run to the Round of 16, where they narrowly lost 3-2 to Argentina.
Nigeria remain 26th in the world but have dropped to fourth in Africa, largely due to Egypt’s World Cup performance.
Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands and Mexico Make Top 10
Portugal occupy seventh place with 1,787.85 points, followed by Belgium in eighth and the Netherlands in ninth.
Mexico completed the Top 10, climbing four places to 10th with 1,754.30 points, overtaking Germany and Italy.
Germany and Italy Miss Out on Top 10
Germany dropped to 12th with 1,726.22 points, while Italy slipped to 15th on 1,704.73 points following the World Cup rankings recalculation.
Colombia climbed to 11th, while Croatia occupy 13th after impressive performances during the tournament.
Norway’s Remarkable Rise
Norway recorded one of the biggest jumps in the rankings, climbing 12 places to 19th after a memorable World Cup campaign, highlighted by a shock victory over Brazil.
Japan are ranked 17th, Senegal 18th, Norway 19th, and Uruguay complete the Top 20 in 20th place.
The updated rankings will remain in effect until October 7, 2026, with Spain now sitting atop world football following their World Cup success.
