Spain Tops FIFA Rankings for First Time in 11 Years; Germany Falls Out of Top 10

Spain has ascended to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time in over a decade following their triumph in the Euro 2024 tournament. This notable achievement marks Spain’s return to the pinnacle of world football, as announced by FIFA on Thursday. In contrast, Germany has experienced a significant drop, falling out of the top 10 for the first time in nearly a year.

The latest rankings reflect a reshuffling among the elite teams in international football. Following Spain, France has claimed the second position, while Argentina, the reigning World Cup champions, slipped to third after suffering a 1-0 loss to Ecuador during the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches. This defeat has significant implications for Argentina as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in upcoming tournaments.

Portugal has seen a rise in the rankings, moving up one spot to secure the fifth position. Meanwhile, Brazil remains steady at sixth, with the Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, and Italy rounding out the top ten. Germany’s decline follows their recent defeat to Slovakia earlier this month, which has raised concerns regarding their performance on the international stage.

Slovakia emerged as the biggest movers in this update, jumping an impressive 10 places to reach 42nd in the rankings. This surge is a testament to their improving football capabilities and potential for future competitions.

Current FIFA Top 10 Rankings

The latest standings highlight the shifting dynamics of international football:

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

These rankings, issued by FIFA, reflect ongoing developments in international football, particularly in the lead-up to significant tournaments such as the upcoming 2026 World Cup. As teams prepare for these competitions, the rankings will undoubtedly influence team strategies and expectations.

For Spain, this return to the top signifies a rejuvenation of their football legacy, while Germany must reassess its approach to regain its former stature among the world’s elite. The global football community will be keenly observing how these shifts impact future performances on the international stage.