New FIFA World Rankings: Spain jumps to 1st over Argentina, USA drops to 16th

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ZURICH, SWITZERLAND - DECEMBER 13: A view of FIFA World Cup 26' Winner Trophy as draw for the 2026 World Cup European qualifiers kicks off in the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland on December 13, 2024. The opponents of the Turkish National Foo

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PHILADELPHIA - The latest round of FIFA Men's World Rankings has been updated following a series of crucial World Cup qualifiers. With Argentina dominating the #1 spot since April 2023, there have now been some significant shifts at the top. 

What is the FIFA Men's World Ranking system?

The FIFA World Rankings system is based on an Elo calculation method called "SUM," which adds or subtracts points from a team's total after each match. The amount of points gained or lost is determined by the result of the match, the relative strength of the two teams and the importance of the match. 

For example, a win in a World Cup Final match is worth more points than a win in a friendly match. The system was designed to be intuitive and fair, giving all teams an equal opportunity to ascend the rankings regardless of their confederation. A key feature of the formula is that a team will not lose points for a loss in the knockout round of a final competition.

The rankings are a global measure of a team's performance, but they do not guarantee World Cup qualification. Italy, ranked 10th in the world, is in danger of missing the World Cup finals for the third consecutive time after a poor start to the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to Norway. 

Biggest changes in the rankings

Spain has leapfrogged France and Argentina to claim the number one ranking, while the former world champions have fallen to third. During the recent international break, Spain beat Bulgaria 3-0 after defeating Turkey 6-0, featuring incredible performances by Spanish central midfielder Mikel Merino across both games. 

Spain took over the top spot in the FIFA World Rankings after gaining over eight points in the recent match window.

KONYA, TURKEY - SEPTEMBER 07: Spain players pose for a photo prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Turkiye and Spainat Konya Metropolitan Municipality Stadium on September 07, 2025 in Konya, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora - UEFA/UEFA

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France also moved up one spot to second, while Argentina, despite its strong performance during the World Cup, has fallen two spots to third. Brazil also dropped one spot to sixth.

During the September international break, France defeated Ukraine 2-0 and beat Iceland 2-1. French captain Kylian Mbappé scored in both games.

Argentina lost 1-0 to Ecuador but beat Venezuela 3-0 during the break. The loss saw them drop into 3rd overall. 

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - SEPTEMBER 04: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Venezuela at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio

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RELATED: Which teams have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 26 so far, and who is close?

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) also fell one spot to 16th after suffering a loss in a World Cup qualifying match. USA is in no danger of missing the World Cup, as they automatically qualify as a host nation. The team's latest international break included a 2-0 loss to South Korea and a 2-0 win against Japan. 

COLUMBUS, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 09: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States reacts during the first half against Japan during an International Friendly at Lower.com Field on September 09, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Ben Jackson/USSF/Getty Images)

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The biggest climber of the latest update was Slovakia, and Canada has reached its highest rank ever after climbing into 26th. 

RELATED: Which nations have won the FIFA World Cup, and which country has the most wins?

Here is a look at the Top 50 teams in the FIFA World Rankings (As of Sept. 2025):

1. Spain
2. France
3. Argentina
4. England
5. Portugal
6. Brazil
7. Netherlands
8. Belgium
9. Croatia
10. Italy
11. Morocco
12. Germany
13. Colombia
14. Mexico
15. Uruguay
16. USA
17. Switzerland
18. Senegal
19. Japan
20. Denmark
21. IR Iran
22. Austria
23. Korea Republic
24. Ecuador
25. Australia
26. Canada
27. Turkey
28. Ukraine
29. Panama
30. Wales
31. Norway
32. Sweden
33. Russia
34. Serbia
35. Egypt
36. Poland
37. Paraguay
38. Algeria
39. Czech Republic
40. Greece
41. Hungary
42. Slovakia
43. Scotland
44. Côte d'Ivoire
45. Nigeria
46. Tunisia
47. Costa Rica
48. Peru
49. Venezuela
50. Slovenia

What's next:

The next round of updates for the FIFA World Ranking is scheduled for Oct. 22 after the international break ending on Oct. 14.