Spain Return To No.1 In FIFA World Rankings After World Cup Triumph

Following the end of the 2026 World Cup across North America, champions Spain, who beat Argentina 1-0 in extra time to take home their second global title, overtook Argentina to reclaim the top spot of the FIFA World Rankings.

La Roja, who entered the 48-team tournament second globally, reclaimed the top spot they last held earlier this year, capping off a flawless multi-year run that now features a 2023 Nations League, Euro 2024, and the 2026 World Cup trophy.

Spain Replace Argentina At The Top Of The FIFA World Rankings

While Spain and Argentina traded places at the absolute top, the remaining places inside the world elite tell a story of high-stakes preservation and tactical surges.

Despite the Three Lions edging a chaotic 10-goal thriller (6-4) in the third-place play-off in Miami, France continued holding onto the number three spot. France's pre-tournament points buffer proved thick enough to absorb the head-to-head loss to Thomas Tuchel's squad, who remain fourth globally.

Brazil, who were knocked out at the round of 16, are fifth, with Morocco, who have continued their impressive rise, ascending to sixth, their highest ever ranking.

Both nations gained ground at the expense of Portugal, who descended to seventh. Belgium are eighth after also making the quarter-finals, with the Netherlands ninth following their round of 32 exit.

Meanwhile, Mexico stormed back into the top 10 for the first time since March 2022 after winning all three group-stage matches and a 2-0 knockout victory over Ecuador.

Norway Become The Biggest Movers In The Latest FIFA Rankings

No nation made a bigger noise in North America than Norway, who captivated hearts with their symbolic row of the boat fan chants.

Propelled by Erling Haaland's lethal penalty-box execution and a stunning round of 16 upset over Brazil, the Scandinavians were the joint-biggest movers on the planet, surging 12 spots up to No. 19.

Although their historic run was halted in a tight 2-1 quarter-final clash with England, reaching the last eight represented the furthest World Cup campaign in Norwegian history.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tunisia suffered the tournament’s most severe slide. Dropping 12 places down to No. 57, the Carthage Eagles endured a nightmare campaign, finishing as the only African nation of the 10 African teams at the tournament to fail to qualify for the knockout stage.

Updated FIFA World Rankings After The 2026 World Cup

1. Spain (+1): World Cup Champions

2. Argentina (-1): World Cup Runners-Up

3. France (-): 4th-Place Finish

4. England (-): Bronze Medal Winners

5. Brazil (+1): Quarterfinalists

6. Morocco (+1): Quarterfinalists (Highest Ever Rank)

7. Portugal (-2): Round of 16 Exit

8. Belgium (+1): Quarterfinalists

9. Netherlands (-1): Round of 16 Exit

10. Mexico (+4): Round of 16 Co-Hosts

11. Colombia (-): Round of 16 Exit

12. Germany (-2): Round of 32 Exit

13. Croatia (-): Round of 32 Exit

14. Switzerland (+5): Quarterfinalists

15. Italy (-1): Did Not Qualify

16. United States (+1): Round of 16 Co-Hosts

17. Japan (-1): Round of 32 Exit

18. Senegal (-): Round of 32 Exit

19. Norway (+12): Quarterfinalists (Biggest Climber)

20. Uruguay (-): Group Stage Exit

21. Denmark (-): Did Not Qualify

22. Iran (-): Group Stage Exit

23. Austria (-): Round of 32 Exit

24. Egypt (-1): Round of 32 Exit

25. Ecuador (-): Round of 32 Exit