Spain have climbed to the summit of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking for the first time in over a decade, leapfrogging both Argentina and France to claim the number one position they last held in June 2014.

The September 2025 edition of the ranking — updated following more than 200 national-team fixtures played since July, including a wave of FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers across Africa, Europe, and the Americas — marks a dramatic reshaping of the global order.

Argentina tumble as France step up

Argentina, the reigning world champions who had occupied top spot since April 2023, fall two places to 3rd. France, the side Argentina defeated in the FIFA World Cup 2022 final, move up one position to 2nd — sandwiching the current holders in a new-look podium.

Further down the top 10, Portugal, Croatia, and Italy each rise one place, landing at 5th, 9th, and 10th respectively. Their gains come partly at the expense of Brazil, who drop to 6th, and Germany, who slide three places to 12th.

Germany's costly defeat to Slovakia

For Germany, the damage stems from a home-and-away qualifier loss to Slovakia — a result that pushes them outside the top 10 for the first time since October 2024. Slovakia themselves are the ranking's biggest movers, surging 10 places to 42nd after opening their World Cup qualifying campaign with back-to-back wins, including that eye-catching victory over Germany.

Morocco lead the charge outside the top 10, climbing one place to 11th after winning eight of their nine matches since the previous ranking in July.

African nations on the rise

Among the notable climbers, several African nations made their mark. The Gambia rise eight places to 115th, while Madagascar move up seven to 108th, and Uganda advance six spots to 82nd. Libya also climb five places to 112th — all buoyed by strong FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying runs.

Elsewhere, Paraguay (37th, up 6), Suriname (131st, up 5), and the Faroe Islands (136th, up 5) also feature among the significant movers.

Record highs for Canada and Kosovo

FIFA World Cup 26 co-hosts Canada continue to break new ground, rising two places to 26th — yet another all-time high for the programme. Kosovo also extend their own record to 91st, climbing four places in the latest update.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking will be published on 23 October 2025.