Defending champions Argentina will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the world’s top-ranked side, according to the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday.
The expanded 48-team tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, begins today, with South Africa set to face Mexico in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opening fixture.
Argentina returned to the summit after securing friendly victories over Honduras and Iceland. Spain remain in second place after a draw and a win against Iraq and Peru respectively, while 2018 champions France dropped to third following a loss to Ivory Coast and wins over Northern Ireland.
Nigeria retained its 26th position in the global rankings after a mixed set of recent international results. The Super Eagles recorded notable wins over Zimbabwe and Jamaica at the Unity Cup in London, before drawing 2–2 with Poland and narrowly losing 2–1 to Portugal in friendly matches.
Morocco national football team continue to lead Africa, holding seventh place in the world rankings.
Top 10 FIFA Rankings:
Argentina
Spain
France
England
Portugal
Brazil
Morocco
Netherlands
Belgium
Germany
