Argentina reclaims top spot in FIFA ranking as World Cup kicks off [Top 10]
By Ayobami Okerinde
Reigning world champions Argentina will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the number one-ranked team globally, according to the latest FIFA rankings published on Thursday.
The tournament, which has been expanded to feature 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, gets underway today. South Africa will take on Mexico in the opening match, a fixture that mirrors the curtain-raiser of the 2010 World Cup.
Argentina returned to the summit of the rankings after securing friendly victories over Honduras and Iceland. Spain hold second place following a draw against Iraq and a win over Peru, while France slipped to third after suffering a defeat to Ivory Coast despite later recording victories over Northern Ireland.
Nigeria retained its 26th position in the world rankings following a series of mixed performances in recent international outings. The Super Eagles impressed at the Unity Cup in London with victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, before playing out a 2-2 draw with Poland and falling 2-1 to Portugal in friendly encounters.
Morocco continues to be Africa’s highest-ranked nation, occupying seventh place in the global standings.
Top 10 FIFA Rankings
1. Argentina
2. Spain
3. France
4. England
5. Portugal
6. Brazil
7. Morocco
8. Netherlands
9. Belgium
10. Germany