Spain is back on top of world football. Following its 1-0 victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, La Roja has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, ending Argentina’s reign at the summit.
The updated rankings, released by FIFA on July 20, 2026, reward Spain’s remarkable World Cup campaign, which culminated in the nation’s second FIFA World Cup title. Meanwhile, Argentina, despite reaching consecutive World Cup finals, slipped to second place.
Updated FIFA Men’s World Rankings (July 20, 2026)
| Rank | Team | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | ▲ 1 |
| 2 | Argentina | ▼ 1 |
| 3 | France | — |
| 4 | England | — |
| 5 | Brazil | ▲ 1 |
| 6 | Morocco | ▲ 1 |
| 7 | Portugal | ▼ 2 |
| 8 | Belgium | ▼ 1 |
| 9 | Netherlands | ▼ 1 |
| 10 | Germany | ▲ Into Top 10 |
Spain Returns to the Top of the FIFA Rankings
Spain’s rise to No. 1 comes after an impressive run through the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup. The European champions defeated several elite opponents before edging Argentina 1-0 in the final to capture their second World Cup championship.
The victory earned Spain enough FIFA ranking points to move ahead of Argentina, marking the country’s return to the top of the global rankings for the first time since January 2026.
The achievement caps off one of the most successful eras in Spanish football, adding another World Cup title to a generation already crowned UEFA European champions.
Argentina Drops to No. 2 Despite Runner-Up Finish
Argentina entered the World Cup as the world’s top-ranked national team and successfully reached a second straight World Cup final.
Although Lionel Scaloni’s squad fell just short against Spain, their run to the championship match ensured they remained among the elite, finishing second in the updated FIFA rankings.
Morocco Reaches Historic High
One of the biggest stories in the latest rankings is Morocco’s continued rise on the international stage.
The Atlas Lions climbed to No. 6, the highest FIFA ranking in the nation’s history, following another memorable World Cup performance. Morocco continues to establish itself as one of the world’s premier football nations after consecutive deep runs in FIFA tournaments.
Brazil Climbs Back Into the Top Five
Brazil moved up one position to No. 5, while Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands each slipped in the standings following the post-World Cup ranking recalculation.
Germany also returned to the Top 10 after improving its position in the latest update.
Why the FIFA Rankings Changed
The FIFA Men’s World Rankings use the “SUM” calculation method, which awards or subtracts ranking points based on:
- Match importance
- Opponent strength
- Match result
- Expected outcome
Because World Cup matches carry the highest weighting in the ranking formula, Spain’s victory over the then-No. 1 ranked Argentina had a significant impact on the standings.
What Happens Next?
The July rankings reflect the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but international competition continues throughout the remainder of the year with continental qualifiers and international friendlies.
The next official FIFA Men’s World Rankings are scheduled to be released on October 7, 2026, when nations will have another opportunity to improve their standing ahead of upcoming international competitions.
FAQs
Who is the No. 1 team in the FIFA World Rankings after the 2026 World Cup?
Spain is the world’s No. 1 ranked men’s national team following its victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
Why did Argentina lose the No. 1 ranking?
Argentina dropped to second after losing the World Cup final to Spain. The defeat, combined with Spain’s championship-winning performance, allowed La Roja to overtake Argentina in the FIFA rankings.
Which country made the biggest move in the Top 10?
Morocco reached a historic milestone by climbing to No. 6—the highest FIFA ranking in the nation’s history.
When will FIFA release the next world rankings?
The next FIFA Men’s World Rankings are scheduled for October 7, 2026.