Argentina have reclaimed the top spot in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking, just hours before the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off — entering the tournament as the highest-ranked team in the world for the first time since July 2025.

The reigning world champions powered their way back to number one after winning both of their pre-tournament warm-up matches, defeating Iceland and Honduras. That surge was enough to displace France, who had held the top position but slipped to third following a defeat to Côte d'Ivoire, despite recovering with a win over Northern Ireland.

Spain remain unchanged in second place after a mixed run of results — held to a draw by Iraq before overcoming Peru.

Morocco make history

One of the standout stories from this edition of the ranking is Morocco's rise to seventh place, their highest position since the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking was first introduced in August 1993. The Atlas Lions climb one spot, overtaking the Netherlands, who drop to eighth.

Elsewhere in the top 20, Mexico climb one place to 14th and Uruguay move up one to 16th, while Senegal slip a place to 15th and the United States fall to 17th. IR Iran enter the top 20 for the first time, landing at 20th.

Notable movers in the top 100

Among the biggest climbers in the top 100, Hungary (39th), Chile (51st), and China PR (91st) each jump three places. On the other side of the ledger, Serbia (41st) suffer the sharpest drop, falling four spots, while Mali (55th) and Benin (93rd) each slide three places. Lebanon (115th) and Bhutan (192nd) record the steepest declines outside the top 100, dropping seven and six places respectively.

Rankings as a tiebreaker at FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking will serve a practical role during the tournament itself. Under the Competition Regulations, the ranking will be used as a tiebreaker to confirm the final standings among level teams at the end of the group stage, and to determine which eight sides qualify as the best third-placed teams to advance to the Round of 32.

The next update to the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking is scheduled for 20 July 2026.