Spain Tops FIFA Rankings for First Time in 11 Years, Germany Drops Out of Top 10
Johannesburg – Euro 2024 champions Spain have climbed to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time in 11 years while Germany dropped out of the top 10, world soccer’s governing body said in its latest update published on Thursday.
Spain’s ascent to the summit in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, released on September 18, 2025, marks their first stay at No. 1 since August 2014, propelled by their Euro 2024 triumph and strong Nations League performances. 6 The Spanish, with a points tally of 1,873.83, edged out France, who rose to second on 1,853.10 after recent friendlies and qualifiers. 0 Reigning World Cup holders Argentina slipped to third (1,848.72) following a shock 1-0 loss to Ecuador in 2026 World Cup qualifying, while Nations League winners Portugal climbed one spot to fifth. 4 Germany, meanwhile, tumbled out of the top 10 for the first time in nearly a year after a 1-0 defeat to Slovakia in Nations League action, dropping to 11th. 6 Slovakia, buoyed by that victory, surged 10 places to 42nd, the biggest climber in the update. 0 The reshuffle, reflecting results from September internationals, underscores a dynamic shift in global football hierarchies ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Spain’s crowning as world No. 1 feels like poetic justice after their Euro 2024 glory in Germany, where Lamine Yamal’s teenage wizardry and a 2-1 final win over England sealed a record fourth continental title. 6 The Spaniards, under Luis de la Fuente, added Nations League points with a 2-1 win over Switzerland and a 4-1 thumping of Serbia, boosting their coefficient to dethrone Argentina. 7 It’s a milestone for a nation that’s dominated Europe but chased global supremacy since their 2010 World Cup win – a reminder that football’s throne is ever-contested.
France’s leap to second, up from third, stems from Nations League victories over Italy (3-1) and Belgium (2-0), with Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick heroics against the Azzurri propelling Les Bleus. 4 Argentina’s tumble, their first off the podium since December 2022, followed Lionel Messi’s shock 1-0 CONMEBOL qualifying defeat to Ecuador – a rare blip for the Copa América holders. 0 Portugal’s rise to fifth, overtaking Brazil, came courtesy of a 2-1 Nations League win over Croatia and a 3-1 Croatia scalp, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s influence undimmed at 40. 7
Germany’s slide to 11th – their lowest since March 2024 – hurts after a 1-0 Nations League loss to minnows Slovakia, Julian Nagelsmann’s side struggling post-Euro 2024 semis. 6 Slovakia’s 10-spot jump to 42nd, their best since 2010, rewards that upset and a 2-0 win over Cyprus, with coach Francesco Calzona’s tactics paying dividends. 0
Full Top 10 Breakdown: Shifts and Standouts
The latest rankings, calculated via FIFA’s Elo-based formula on September internationals, showcase a top
10 blending European flair and South American steel:
Rank
Team
Points
Change
1
Spain (ESP)
1873.83
↑1
2
France (FRA)
1853.10
↑1
3
Argentina (ARG)
1848.72
↓2
4
England (ENG)
1820.45
5
Portugal (POR)
1779.55
↑1
6
Brazil (BRA)
1761.60
↓1
7
Netherlands (NED)
1754.17
8
Belgium (BEL)
1748.92
9
Croatia (CRO)
1735.44
↓2
10
Italy (ITA)
1729.81
↑1
Spain’s lead (1,873.83 points) gives them a 20-point buffer over France, with Argentina’s slip (-2 spots) a wake-up for Lionel Scaloni’s side ahead of October qualifiers. 7 Portugal’s ascent (+1) edges Brazil (-1), Ronaldo’s influence tipping the scale in Nations League openers. 0 Croatia’s drop (-2) follows losses to Portugal and Poland, while Italy (+1) climbs on a 3-1 win over France. 4
Broader Shifts: Slovakia’s Surge and African Gains
Beyond the elite, Slovakia’s 10-place leap to 42nd – their highest since 2010 – rewards David Strelec’s strike against Germany and a Cyprus rout, boosting CONMEBOL’s underdogs. 0 Africa’s big wins: Senegal holds 18th after a 4-0 Gambia thrashing, Morocco climbs to 12th on Nations League points, while Nigeria (+3 to 37th) eyes AfCON qualifiers. 8 South Africa’s Bafana Bafana slip to 62nd after a 1-0 Lesotho win marred by a FIFA ineligibility probe on Teboho Mokoena. 0
The update, FIFA’s penultimate before the 2026 World Cup draw, rewards September results: 206 internationals factored in, with Euro 2024 hangovers fading. 6 Next edition: October 22, post-CONMEBOL and AFC action.
As Spain savours the throne – their first since Xavi and Iniesta’s era – the rankings remind: football’s fluid, fortunes flip fast. For fans from Buenos Aires to Bilbao, it’s a snapshot of supremacy – but in the beautiful game, today’s top is tomorrow’s test.
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