Argentina has returned to the top of the FIFA rankings, marking their first time in the number one spot in six years. The team’s latest success follows their third World Cup title in December, when they beat France in the Qatar World Cup final. During the international break in March, Argentina won friendlies against Panama and Curacao, contributing to their ascent in the rankings.
Captain Lionel Messi’s contribution was pivotal in these fixtures, as he scored his 800th career goal in a 2-0 victory over Panama, before reaching the milestone of 100 international goals by scoring a hat-trick in a 7-0 rout of Curacao.
Although Argentina last topped the rankings in 2017, the team dropped to 12th place the following year after a lackluster performance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Now, Argentina has replaced their rivals, Brazil, at the top of the rankings, after the Selecao suffered a surprise friendly loss to World Cup semi-finalists Morocco in March, which has resulted in their move to third place.
France, following their Euro 2024 qualification wins against the Netherlands and Ireland, are in second place, while the rest of the top 10 remains unchanged. Belgium is fourth, with England following in fifth, and the Netherlands in sixth place. Croatia is in seventh place, and Italy is eighth. Portugal and Spain complete the top 10.
Morocco, which has joined Spain and Portugal in a 2030 World Cup bidding plan, has maintained their position at 11th place, making them the leading African team. In the latest rankings, the Central African Republic saw the most significant improvement, rising ten places to 122nd place.
The United States remains in 13th place, two places ahead of regional rival Mexico. These rankings mark the current state of world football, and each team will continue to strive for success in future fixtures.
Top 10 of FIFA
- Argentina
- France
- Brazil
- Belgium
- England
- Netherlands
- Croatia
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
