The latest FIFA men's world rankings reveal shifts among the top contenders, with Spain maintaining its hold on the coveted No. 1 position. The rankings, updated on October 17, 2025, reflect the outcomes of recent international matches, including FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers and high-profile friendlies.
Spain Leads the Way
Spain continues to reign supreme in the FIFA rankings, bolstered by their strong performance in World Cup qualifying matches. "La Roja" has extended its lead, showcasing consistency and dominance on the international stage.
Argentina Climbs to Second Place
Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, have made a notable move, climbing to the second spot. This ascent signifies Argentina's continued strength and competitiveness following their World Cup victory in 2022. As of September 2025, Argentina was ranked third.
France Slips to Third
France, previously holding the second position, has experienced a slight dip, now ranking third. This shift indicates the dynamic nature of the rankings, where even a single result can impact a team's standing.
Germany Back in the Top 10
Germany has made a significant resurgence, re-entering the top 10 after a brief absence. With back-to-back wins in the World Cup qualifying group against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, Germany now sits at No. 10. This rise is particularly crucial as it positions Germany to be among the top-seeded teams in the World Cup finals tournament draw.
Other Notable Movements
- England and Portugal maintain their positions in the top five, ranking fourth and fifth, respectively.
- The Netherlands climbed to sixth, overtaking Brazil, who fell to seventh.
- Belgium and Italy hold the eighth and ninth positions, respectively.
- Croatia dropped out of the top 10, falling to 11th place.
Rankings Significance
The FIFA rankings serve as a benchmark for national teams, reflecting their performance and relative strength. These rankings hold significance for several reasons:
- Seeding: The rankings are often used to seed teams in international tournaments, influencing the composition of groups and pathways to the final stages.
- World Cup Draw: The top-ranked teams gain an advantage in the World Cup draw, increasing their chances of a favorable group stage assignment.
- Recognition: A high ranking brings prestige and recognition to a nation's football program, attracting investment and talent.
The next FIFA rankings update is scheduled for November 20, 2025. With ongoing World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies, further shifts in the rankings are anticipated, making the race for the top spots a captivating pursuit.
