The Albiceleste remains in first place after the latest update and is very close to matching a historic record set by Spain
As expected, Argentina continues to lead the FIFA ranking, which also saw no changes among its closest followers: Spain, which lost the Nations League final, and France, eliminated in the semifinals by the Spaniards, complete the podium. Further behind are England, Brazil, Portugal (which moved up one spot), Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Croatia. Meanwhile, Italy fell out of the top ten for the first time since October 2020.
Argentina has held first place since April 2023, already totaling two years and three months. It is thus approaching the record of Spain, which led for 2 years and 9 months between September 2011 and June 2014.
However, it is still far from the records of Brazil, which holds the longest reign with 6 years and 8 months between July 1994 and April 2001, and another reign of 4 years and 7 months between June 2002 and January 2007. Belgium, meanwhile, was leader for 3 years and 4 months, from October 2018 to February 2022.
The latest results of the Argentina National Team in the Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup had already ensured that there was no danger of losing the leadership of the FIFA ranking. Nevertheless, the official confirmation arrived this Thursday, when FIFA published its updated table and confirmed Albiceleste at the top, where it has remained for two years and three months.
Lionel Scaloni's team defeated Chile 1-0 and drew 1-1 against Colombia in the last double matchday, results that also guaranteed it would finish in first place in the South American Qualifiers, regardless of what happens in the last two matchdays in September. With the ticket to the 2026 World Cup already secured, the coach will have room to make tests and adjustments without the pressure of seeking points.
