Argentina returned to the top of the FIFA world rankings on June 11, 2026, nearly a year after last leading the chart in July 2025 [1, 2]. The team climbed two spots following warm-up victories against Iceland and Honduras [1, 2].
Argentina is set to start its title defense at the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup by facing Algeria on June 13 in Kansas City [1, 2].
Spain held steady at second place in the rankings, while France dropped from first to third after losing to Ivory Coast but beating Northern Ireland in preparatory matches [1, 2]. England and Portugal occupy fourth and fifth places respectively [1, 2].
Rounding out the top 10 are Brazil, Morocco, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany [1, 2]. These rankings will play a crucial role in the tournament as the final tiebreaker if teams end the group stage level on points [1, 2].
The FIFA world rankings now place Argentina as the team to beat as the tournament kicks off, with their opening match against Algeria only two days after reclaiming the top ranking [1, 2].