Zurich, Jun 12 (V7N) – Argentina have returned to the top of the latest FIFA World Rankings, overtaking football powerhouses Spain and France ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Although the Albiceleste won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, they had lost their number one position in the rankings since July 2025. However, just before the start of the global showpiece event, Lionel Scaloni's side have climbed from third to first place in the newly published rankings.
Argentina's rise has been largely driven by consecutive victories over Iceland and Honduras in their World Cup warm-up matches, strengthening their position at the summit of world football.
Meanwhile, France have suffered a significant setback after losing the top spot. Didier Deschamps' side dropped from first to third place following a surprise defeat to Ivory Coast in a pre-World Cup friendly, despite later securing a victory against Northern Ireland.
European champions Spain maintained their strong form and remained in second position in the rankings.
The other positions in the top five remained unchanged, with England holding fourth place and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal occupying fifth.
Argentina's return to the top of the FIFA rankings is expected to provide a major confidence boost as the reigning world champions prepare to begin their 2026 World Cup campaign.
END/SMA/AJ
