Argentina climbs back to first place in FIFA rankings as World Cup begins.

By Ayobami Okerinde

Argentina enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the world’s highest‑ranked national team, according to the latest FIFA rankings published on Thursday.

The 48‑team tournament, co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, begins today with South Africa playing Mexico in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opening match.

Argentina reclaimed the top position after friendly victories over Honduras and Iceland. Spain remains second, having drawn with Iraq and beaten Peru. The 2018 champions France fell to third place following a loss to Ivory Coast and subsequent wins against Northern Ireland.

Nigeria stayed at 26th in the world rankings after a mixed set of recent results. The Super Eagles performed well at the Unity Cup in London, defeating Zimbabwe and Jamaica, drawing 2–2 with Poland, and narrowly losing 2–1 to Portugal in friendlies.

Morocco remains Africa’s highest‑ranked side, positioned seventh globally.

Full List

1. Argentina
2. Spain
3. France
4. England
5. Portugal
6. Brazil
7. Morocco
8. Netherlands
9. Belgium
10. Germany

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