Spain leads the FIFA ranking above Argentina and Messi
Spain, led by Lamine Yamal, has managed to climb to the top spot in the FIFA world ranking, surpassing Argentina and Lionel Messi. This achievement marks the first time Spain has led the ranking since June 2014, when it was dethroned as world champion.
Spain’s recent performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifying phase, with two consecutive victories against Turkey and Bulgaria, propelled the team to the top. Argentina, which held the first position, dropped to third place, while France positioned itself in second.
Argentina’s defeat in a qualifying match against Ecuador also influenced the re-configuration of the ranking.
Spain’s rise and Lamine Yamal’s role in the team.
Argentina’s decline and Lionel Messi’s position.
France’s advance to second place.
England remains in fourth place, while Portugal rises to fifth, swapping positions with Brazil, who suffered a defeat in their last qualifying match against Bolivia.
Morocco, in 11th place, leads the African nations, and Japan tops Asia in 19th place. Both teams are already qualified for the World Cup.Lamine Yamal has contributed to Spain leading the FIFA ranking for the first time in 11 years.Evrim Aydin/Anadolu via Getty ImagesMexico and the United States, co-hosts of the World Cup, occupy the 14th and 16th positions respectively, after dropping one position. Canada, the third host country, advanced two positions, ranking number 26.
The upcoming ranking updates in October and November will be crucial, especially for defining the seeded teams for the draw of the 48-team World Cup tournament, which will be held on December 5 in Washington. In addition, the draws for the playoffs in Europe and the intercontinental brackets, scheduled for March, will be determined.
The World Cup draw will feature 42 confirmed teams and six places reserved for the winners of the playoffs. The latter could include Italy, depending on their ranking position.
