Spain Reclaims FIFA No.1 Spot As Nigeria Records Worst Rankings Drop In Six Years

‎Spain, the EURO 2024 champions, have risen to the top of the FIFA men’s rankings for the first time in 11 years.

‎They overtook Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in the latest standings released on Thursday.

‎Meanwhile, Germany slipped out of the top 10, marking a significant fall in their ranking.

‎Spain’s two-win start to a 2026 World Cup qualifying group this month against Turkey and Bulgaria lifted the European champions up from second place behind 2022 World Cup winners Argentina, who fell to third.

‎Argentina’s loss in a World Cup qualifier in Ecuador also let France rise one place to No. 2.

‎England stayed at No. 4, and Portugal climbed one place to No. 5 in a swap with Brazil, who lost their last World Cup qualifier at Bolivia.

‎Morocco, at No. 11, was the highest-ranked African nation, while Japan, at No. 19, led Asia. Both teams have already qualified for the World Cup.

‎Super Eagles position

‎The Super Eagles of Nigeria slipped one place, dropping from 44th to 45th, marking their worst global ranking since June 2019 when they also stood 45th and only just above their February low of 46th.

‎They now sit outside the world’s top 40 and remain sixth in Africa, behind Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

‎Mexico and the United States were ranked Nos. 14 and 16, respectively, as the World Cup co-hosts each dropped one place. Canada, the third co-host next year, advanced two spots to No. 26.

‎ Rankings are updated in October and again in November, when the standings carry greater significance.

‎The November rankings should decide seedings for the 48-team World Cup tournament draw held on Dec. 5 in Washington, plus draws for playoffs in Europe and the intercontinental brackets. Those games are scheduled in March.

‎Slovakia was the biggest mover, surging 10 places to 42nd.

‎Top 10-ranked nations:

‎1. Spain

‎2. France

‎3. Argentina

‎4. England

‎5. Portugal

‎6. Brazil

‎7. Netherlands

‎8. Belgium

‎9. Croatia

‎10. Italy

‎The World Cup draw will feature 42 confirmed teams and six placeholders for the playoff winners.

‎All six placeholders must originate from the lowest-ranked teams in seeding pot 4, and they could include Italy.