Newly crowned European champions Spain have moved up the latest FIFA men’s ranking although they missed out on claiming the top spot, while the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Samba Boys of Brazil dropped in the ranking.
Spain beat England 2-1 to retain the European Championship title, leading the team managed by Luis de la Fuente’s side to gain the most points on the list and moving up five places from eighth to third in the ranking behind Argentina and France.
Argentina retain the top spot in the world thanks to winning the 2024 Copa America title with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Colombia in the United States. Lionel Messi did not finish the game after picking up an injury, with Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez scoring the winner in extra time.
The France national team follows Argentina in second place on the world ranking, retaining the spot from the last released list having made it to the Euro 2024 semi-finals before losing 2-1 to eventual winners, Spain.
Euro 2024 losing finalist England follows Spain in fourth place, up one place from fifth and swapping places with Brazil who were fourth in the previous list but slipped down to fifth after an underwhelming campaign at the 2024 Copa America.
Also slipping down the latest FIFA ranking is Nigeria, now ranked 39th. The Super Eagles, who have started the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in poor form – giving up an early lead to lose 2-1 at neighbours Benin Republic in June.
Africa’s top 10 has Morocco top of the pile and 14th in the world, followed by Senegal in 19th place on the global list. Egypt is third in Africa and 34th in the world while reigning African champions Cote D’Ivoire are a place ahead of Nigeria at 38th.
The next men’s ranking will be released on September 19, 2024.