Rankings heat up ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™
FIFA’s latest Men’s World Ranking, released on 18 September 2025, brings fresh movement at the top and dramatic shifts throughout the top 50. With just weeks to go before the final international break of the year, teams are jostling for position ahead of key qualifiers and friendlies.
Spain now leads the global standings after an impressive run, overtaking both France and Argentina. Meanwhile, Slovakia surged ten places to become the biggest mover, and Canada hit an all-time high at 26th. But not everyone had a good month, Zimbabwe and the Central African Republic suffered major drops.
The next update is scheduled for 23 October 2025, leaving just a short window for teams to make their mark.
50. Slovenia – 1462.96 (▼ -6.80)
Slovenia drops to the edge of the top 50 following a loss and a draw. Their recent run hasn’t lived up to earlier promise, and consistency remains elusive.
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49. Venezuela – 1465.02 (▼ -12.00)
Back-to-back defeats have knocked Venezuela down three spots. A young squad full of potential must now regroup and rebuild confidence.
48. Peru – 1469.31 (▼ -20.66)
A steep drop for Peru after consecutive losses. Their lack of goal threat has once again proven costly in a tight rankings race.
47. Costa Rica – 1481.13 (▼ -12.72)
Costa Rica tumbles seven places despite two draws. Once a rising force, their form has plateaued at a critical time.
46. Tunisia – 1483.02 (▲ +11.92)
Tunisia climbs three spots with two strong wins. Their form hints at a resurgence just as regional qualifiers heat up.
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45. Nigeria – 1483.86 (▼ -0.40)
Nigeria slips slightly after a mixed window. Despite some wins, two key defeats have halted any serious upward momentum.
44. Côte d’Ivoire – 1483.90 (▲ +0.45)
A win and a draw help Côte d’Ivoire edge up a spot. Still one of Africa’s most solid sides, but far from their former dominance.
43. Scotland – 1485.08 (▲ +10.40)
Scotland rebounds with a win and a draw, climbing four places. Grit and energy remain trademarks, but firepower is still an issue.
42. Slovakia – 1491.87 (▲ +25.31)
The biggest climber in this update, Slovakia rockets up ten spots after two convincing wins. A major breakthrough moment.
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41. Hungary – 1492.18 (▼ -8.56)
Hungary drops three places after a loss and draw. Momentum has stalled just when they needed a push for higher ground.
40. Greece – 1494.72 (▼ -3.10)
Greece slips by one spot despite picking up a win. A recent defeat exposed lingering issues in attack.
39. Czech Republic – 1500.29 (▲ +7.89)
The Czechs move up two places with a draw and a win. Steady and composed, they look well-positioned for a solid campaign.
38. Algeria – 1500.74 (▼ -3.06)
A long series of draws and one loss drag Algeria down two spots. Defensive resilience isn’t translating into enough wins.
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37. Paraguay – 1501.01 (▲ +14.32)
A six-place jump for Paraguay following a win and a draw. They’re quickly becoming one of South America’s most improved teams.
36. Poland – 1517.30 (▲ +14.90)
Poland makes a strong recovery, climbing six spots. They may still rely heavily on key individuals, but this bounce was much needed.
35. Egypt – 1519.18 (▲ +0.39)
Egypt inches forward with a draw and a win. Their depth keeps them in contention, but more decisive victories are needed.
34. Serbia – 1520.90 (▼ -2.13)
A slight dip for Serbia after a loss and a win. Their talent pool remains deep, but cohesion is still developing.
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33. Russia – 1521.74 (▲ +3.20)
Russia moves up two places following a win and draw. Tactical solidity and home form are keeping them relevant.
32. Sweden – 1524.62 (▼ -20.81)
Sweden suffers a major slide, dropping six places after failing to win. A draw and a defeat show their fragility under pressure.
31. Norway – 1526.23 (▲ +6.81)
Norway climbs two places after two wins. With star power and growing confidence, they’re becoming a threat once more.
30. Wales – 1529.09 (▲ +0.16)
Wales moves up one place thanks to a narrow points gain. Still tough and spirited, but progress has stalled.
29. Panama – 1529.71 (▼ -15.37)
Panama slides two spots after back-to-back draws. A missed opportunity to break into higher ranks.
28. Ukraine – 1543.06 (▼ -14.15)
A tough run for Ukraine sees them drop two spots. A draw and a loss halt their previously promising form.
27. Türkiye – 1555.72 (▲ +2.53)
A win and a loss lift Türkiye slightly. Capable of brilliance, but still searching for rhythm.
26. Canada – 1558.04 (▲ +9.10)
Canada reaches a historic high with two wins and a two-place jump. Their youthful core is delivering in a big way.
25. Australia – 1583.49 (▲ +4.92)
Australia continues to rise after a strong showing. Their aggressive style and discipline are paying dividends.
24. Ecuador – 1588.04 (▲ +17.36)
Ecuador jumps two places after a win and a draw. One of the most physical and determined sides in the rankings.
23. Korea Republic – 1593.19 (▲ +6.11)
Korea Republic picks up crucial points to climb the table. Despite some inconsistencies, they’re back on track.
22. Austria – 1601.86 (▲ +10.62)
Austria’s sharp rise is fueled by two wins. With balance across the pitch, they remain a tough opponent.
21. IR Iran – 1622.61 (▼ -1.69)
Iran slips slightly with two draws. Still among Asia’s elite, but defensive discipline must be matched by attacking intent.
20. Denmark – 1627.64 (▲ +6.40)
Denmark regains a place after a win and a draw. Stability and structure continue to define their game.
19. Japan – 1640.47 (▼ -0.76)
A narrow drop for Japan despite a decent window. Three wins help them hold ground, but an early loss set them back.
18. Senegal – 1645.23 (▲ +10.13)
Senegal puts together a strong run with multiple wins. The highest-ranked African side continues to shine on both ends of the pitch.
17. Switzerland – 1648.30 (▲ +13.22)
Switzerland climbs two spots with two solid wins. Their tactical maturity and game management remain top-tier.
16. USA – 1670.04 (▼ -1.00)
USA slips one spot after a win and a loss. Young, dynamic, and improving, but not quite consistent enough.
15. Uruguay – 1673.65 (▲ +2.89)
Uruguay edges up with a draw and a win. Veteran leadership and emerging talents are helping stabilize their form.
14. Mexico – 1688.38 (▼ -1.35)
Mexico drops a place after two draws. Competitive but lacking the killer edge to finish games off.
13. Colombia – 1692.10 (▲ +12.64)
Colombia is on the rise again after two wins. Their midfield creativity and attacking depth are clicking into gear.
12. Germany – 1704.27 (▼ -12.71)
A rare drop for Germany, who fall three spots after a loss. Still a global force, but internal inconsistencies remain an issue.
11. Morocco – 1706.27 (▲ +7.55)
Morocco keeps climbing, up one place after two wins. A strong squad and recent momentum make them dangerous outsiders.
10. Italy – 1710.06 (▲ +7.48)
Italy returns to the top 10 after back-to-back wins. A balanced squad is starting to rediscover form and belief.
9. Croatia – 1714.20 (▲ +6.69)
Croatia moves up one place. Their experienced midfield core is still delivering when it matters most.
8. Belgium – 1739.54 (▲ +3.16)
Belgium stays in the top 10 with two wins. The team remains strong, even as a new generation takes the reins.
7. Netherlands – 1754.17 (▼ -4.01)
The Dutch drop one place after a win and draw. Still near the top, but small slip-ups prove costly in a tight field.
6. Brazil – 1761.60 (▼ -16.09)
A big slide for Brazil, who lose ground after a defeat. Despite world-class talent, defensive issues linger.
5. Portugal – 1779.55 (▲ +9.02)
Portugal continues to impress with another winning window. Attacking flair and defensive balance are working in tandem.
4. England – 1820.44 (▲ +7.12)
England gains points but remains fourth. Squad depth and offensive power make them one of the toughest teams around.
3. Argentina – 1870.32 (▼ -15.04)
Argentina drops to third after a surprise loss. Still the reigning champions, but the race at the top is tighter than ever.
2. France – 1870.92 (▲ +8.89)
France edges into second with two wins. With talent in every position, they remain strong contenders to reclaim the top.
1. Spain – 1875.37 (▲ +8.28)
Spain claims the number one spot. Their blend of youth and experience is producing results, and making them the team to beat.
