Published: 09:01, July 21, 2026
Spain go back to top of FIFA rankings, Morocco reach record high
By Reuters
Players from Spain's national soccer team perform for fans at Cibeles Square in Madrid on July 20, 2026, after Spain defeated Argentina in the World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, near New York. (PHOTO / AP)

World Cup winners Spain climbed back to the top of the FIFA men's rankings on Monday, while ​runners-up Argentina dropped to second place.

Luis de la ‌Fuente's side beat 2022 world champions Argentina 1-0 after extra time on Sunday to return to the top of the rankings ​for the first time since January.

France and England ​remain third and fourth in the rankings respectively, ⁠despite Thomas Tuchel's side beating Les Bleus to clinch ​the bronze medal.

Brazil rose to fifth, while Morocco climbed to ​a record-high sixth. Portugal fell two places to seventh after their round-of-16 exit at the World Cup. Belgium moved up to ​eighth, swapping places with the Netherlands, who dropped to ​ninth.

Mexico climbed four places to break into the top 10, while Norway ‌were ⁠the biggest movers, jumping 12 places to 19th after reaching the World Cup quarterfinals.

Norway's Kristoffer Ajer (3) heads the ball next to England's Djed Spence (25) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match in Miami Gardens, Florida, July 11, 2026. (PHOTO / AP)

Germany fell out of the top 10 and dropped to 12th, one place ahead ​of Croatia. Italy, ​who failed ⁠to qualify for the World Cup, slipped to 15th.

Tunisia suffered the biggest drop, falling ​12 places to 57th, while Egypt climbed five ​spots ⁠to 24th and Paraguay rose seven places to 34th after reaching the World Cup round of 16.

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Cabo Verde, who ⁠reached ​the round of 32, climbed three ​places to 64th, one spot ahead of Ghana, who moved up eight ​places.