Spain Dethrone Argentina to Top FIFA Rankings as Morocco Lead Africa’s Charge

International football is buzzing once again as the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking has shaken up the global order. Spain have stormed back to the top for the first time since 2014, ending Argentina’s reign and reclaiming the crown they last held during their golden era.

This reshuffle comes after more than 200 international matches across Africa, Europe, and the Americas in the past few months, including FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers that produced shocks, drama, and breakthrough results.

Spain Rise to No.1 in FIFA Rankings

Spain, fresh from their UEFA EURO 2024 triumph, have been rewarded for their consistency and flair. Their climb to the summit of the FIFA Rankings represents their first stint at the top since June 2014, when legends like Xavi, Iniesta, and Casillas were still commanding the stage.

This time, it is a younger generation led by Álvaro Morata, Dani Olmo, and Lamine Yamal who are writing a new chapter. Spanish fans in Madrid described the return as “a long time coming,” with many drawing parallels to their historic 2008–2012 golden run.

In dethroning Argentina, Spain also sent a message that the balance of power in world football is shifting once again. The reigning world champions have now slipped to third place, while France, who lost the 2022 World Cup final to Argentina, moved up to second.

Argentina’s Slip and France’s Rise

Argentina had held the No.1 spot since April 2023, riding high after their World Cup triumph in Qatar. But a series of uneven results in World Cup qualifiers saw them lose ground. For Lionel Messi, who is nearing the twilight of his international career, this could be a reminder of how competitive the global stage remains.

France, meanwhile, look hungrier than ever. With stars like Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann in top form, Les Bleus climbed to second and are knocking loudly on the door of first place. French coach Didier Deschamps has described his team as “a blend of youth and experience that can dominate for years.”

Top 10 Shake-Up

The ripple effect of recent results was felt throughout the top 10 of the FIFA Rankings.

Portugal climbed to 5th, boosted by Cristiano Ronaldo’s evergreen presence and the rise of Bruno Fernandes.

Croatia (9th) and Italy (10th) both benefited from solid campaigns.

Brazil slipped to 6th after inconsistent performances in South America.

Germany suffered the biggest blow, dropping to 12th after a shock defeat to Slovakia.


For Germany, this fall marks their first time outside the top 10 since October 2024. The setback has been compared to their disastrous 2018 World Cup campaign, where they crashed out at the group stage.

Morocco Fly Africa’s Flag in FIFA Rankings

For Africa, the spotlight shines brightly on Morocco. The Atlas Lions (11th) are now the continent’s top-ranked side after winning eight of their last nine matches. Their consistency has kept them within touching distance of the global top 10.

This is no small feat. Morocco’s progress shows what investment in local talent, tactical discipline, and belief can achieve. For Ghana’s Black Stars, Morocco’s rise is a reminder of what is possible when a national project is sustained.

Elsewhere in Africa:

Uganda surged to 82nd, climbing six places after key victories in World Cup qualifying.

The Gambia jumped eight places to 115th, their best ranking in years.

Libya (112th) and Madagascar (108th) also made positive moves.


Fans across the continent celebrated these jumps as a signal that African football is steadily closing the gap on traditional powerhouses.

Slovakia Stun Germany with Major Leap

Perhaps the biggest headline outside the top three was Slovakia’s rise. They leapt 10 places to 42nd after opening their World Cup qualifying campaign with two wins, including a famous victory against Germany.

Slovakia’s coach called it “a turning point” for his side, while German media described the result as “a national embarrassment.” For context, Slovakia’s upset recalls Ghana’s unforgettable 2-0 win against the Czech Republic at the 2006 World Cup, a match that put the Black Stars on the global map.

Rising Sides: Canada and Kosovo

Two nations that continue to make history are Canada and Kosovo. Co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada have climbed to 26th, their highest-ever standing. Kosovo, ranked 91st, also jumped four spots, proving that persistence pays off.

What the Rankings Mean Going Forward

Spain’s return to the top sends a powerful message ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. La Roja are no longer just rebuilding; they are contenders again. For Argentina, the slip is a warning that their dominance can be short-lived without consistency. France, sitting second, look like the team most likely to challenge for No.1 before next year.

For Africa, Morocco’s near-top-10 status is a rallying cry. If the Atlas Lions can stay consistent, and if teams like Ghana, Senegal, and Nigeria can replicate that stability, the continent could have multiple representatives in the world’s elite tier by 2026.

The next edition of the FIFA Rankings will be released on 23 October 2025, and with more World Cup qualifiers on the horizon, another shake-up could be around the corner.

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