FIFA's latest rankings: Spain, Argentina, France, and England remain firmly in the top 4; Brazil rises to 5th; Italy falls to 12th but still overrated.

The World Cup qualifiers in all regions have finished, with FIFA updating the latest global rankings for national teams. Spain, Argentina, France, and England remain secure in the top four, marking them as the leading contenders for the 2026 USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup. Brazil has overtaken Portugal and the Netherlands to reach fifth place, and Germany has advanced to ninth.

The top ten FIFA rankings are:

• 1st: Spain.
• 2nd: Argentina.
• 3rd: France.
• 4th: England.
• 5th: Brazil (+2).
• 6th: Portugal (-1).
• 7th: Netherlands (-1).
• 8th: Belgium.
• 9th: Germany (+1).
• 10th: Croatia.

FIFA rankings from 11th to 20th:

• 11th: Morocco (+1).
• 12th: Italy (-3).
• 13th: Colombia.
• 14th: USA (+2).
• 15th: Mexico (-1).
• 16th: Uruguay (-1).
• 17th: Switzerland.
• 18th: Japan (+1).
• 19th: Senegal (-1).
• 20th: Iran (+1).

In the latest FIFA rankings, two Asian teams have entered the global top 20: Japan at 18th and Iran at 20th. Italy's football decline is unstoppable; after missing two World Cups and being swept by Norway in both home and away qualifiers, they now face playoffs. Norway ranks 29th but managed to dominate Italy, highlighting that FIFA rankings may only be a list and not a true reflection of a team's actual strength.