Spain reclaim No 1 in Fifa world rankings; USA slide

Spain has reclaimed the No 1 spot in the Fifa Men's World Ranking for the first time since 2014 in the latest rankings released on Thursday.

With more than 200 relevant national-team matches having been completed since the last update, there was significant movement within the top 50.

Reigning World Cup champions Argentina slid to No 3 due to their 1-0 loss to Ecuador in the CONMEBOL Qualifiers on 8 September, with France moving up one spot to No 2.

While Argentina did beat Venezuela 3-0 on 3 September, France went 2-0 during the rankings update window.

Argentina had occupied the top spot since April 2023.

The biggest shakeup in the top 10 was Germany's three-spot tumble to No 12 after their 2-0 loss to Slovakia in the Uefa Qualifiers on 3 September. 

Germany are outside of the top 10 for the first time since October 2024.

🔝🇪🇸 Spain claim the top spot in the latest #FIFARanking!

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 18, 2025

Meanwhile, Slovakia vaulted 10 spots to re-enter the Top 50 at No 42.

Germany are now also behind No 11 Morocco, whose only loss in nine matches since the most recent rankings release was a 1-0 defeat to Kenya in the African Nations Championship last month.

Canada moved up two spots to No 26 with a pair of friendly wins over Romania and Wales this month.

They have closed the gap further on their North American rivals, with the United States sliding one spot to No 16.

The USMNT followed a 2-1 loss to Mexico in the Gold Cup in July with a 2-0 defeat to South Korea on 5 September and a 2-0 win over Japan on 8 September.

Mexico, who have a pair of draws since the victory over the USMNT, also dropped one spot to No 14.

The biggest drop was suffered by Zimbabwe, which fell nine spots to No 125.

FIFA MEN'S WORLD RANKINGS TOP 10

1. Spain

2. France

3. Argentina

4. England

5. Portugal

6. Brazil

7. Netherlands

8. Belgium

9. Croatia

10. Italy