(foto: Getty Images)
Spain has returned to the top of the FIFA world rankings for the first time in 11 years, overtaking Argentina and France after their dominant start to 2026 World Cup qualifying.
Spain have climbed to the summit of the FIFA world rankings for the first time since June 2014, ending Argentina’s reign at the top after nearly 18 months.
The reigning European champions moved into first place with 1875.37 points, narrowly ahead of France (1870.92) and Argentina (1870.32). Argentina, leaders since April 2023, now drop to third.
Portugal have risen to fifth, Croatia climb to ninth, and Italy enter the top 10 in tenth, with all three sides benefiting from Brazil’s slip from fifth to sixth. Meanwhile, Germany have fallen out of the top 10 for the first time since October 2023, dropping to 12th following their 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in World Cup qualifying.
Morocco rise to 11th after winning eight of their last nine matches, while Slovakia make the biggest jump of all, climbing ten places after victories over Germany and Luxembourg to re-enter the top 50. Canada, one of the 2026 World Cup co-hosts, move up to 26th — their highest ever ranking since FIFA introduced the list in 1993. Kosovo also rise, up four spots to 91st.
FIFA’s September update was based on 200 international matches, many tied to 2026 World Cup qualifying. Spain’s surge was fuelled by a 3-0 win over Bulgaria and a 6-0 demolition of Turkey. Their next fixtures come at home against Georgia and Bulgaria in October.