SPAIN REPLACE ARGENTINA AS WORLD NO. 1 IN LATEST FIFA RANKINGS, NIGERIA AT 26TH

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Spain have climbed to the summit of world football after winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup, replacing Argentina as the world’s top-ranked team in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings released on Monday, July 20.

The latest rankings reflect the impact of the World Cup in North America, with Spain’s triumph triggering major movements across the global standings.

Spain crowned new world No. 1

La Roja claimed the FIFA World Cup title after defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final in New Jersey, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute.

The victory earned Spain a tournament gain of 121.17 ranking points, taking their total to 1,995.88 points and lifting them to No. 1 in the world.

Argentina lose top spot

Defending champions Argentina surrendered the top ranking following their defeat in the final.

Lionel Scaloni’s side, who reached a second consecutive World Cup final after defeating England in the semi-finals, dropped to second with 1,970.37 points, ending their reign as the world’s highest-ranked team.

France, England, Brazil complete top five

France remained third on 1,948.97 points, despite losing 6-4 to England in the third-place play-off.

England stayed fourth with 1,922.83 points, boosted by a 33.41-point gain following their victory over Les Bleus.

Brazil climbed one place to fifth with 1,804.92 points, despite their quarter-final defeat to Norway.

Morocco lead Africa as Egypt overtake Nigeria

Morocco continued their rise in world football after reaching the World Cup quarter-finals, climbing to sixth with 1,803.99 points to remain Africa’s highest-ranked nation.

Egypt also enjoyed a significant rise after reaching the Round of 16, where they pushed Argentina in a thrilling 3-2 defeat. Their performance lifted the Pharaohs above Nigeria in the African rankings.

Nigeria remained 26th in the world but slipped to fourth in Africa following Egypt’s World Cup campaign.

Norway produced one of the biggest jumps in the rankings, climbing 12 places to 19th after a memorable run highlighted by their victory over Brazil.

Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands in top 10

Portugal occupy seventh place with 1,787.85 points, ahead of Belgium in eighth (1,778.36) and the Netherlands in ninth (1,775.54).

Mexico completed the top 10 after climbing four places to 10th with 1,754.30 points, displacing Germany and Italy from the elite group.