The international window was rich in lessons in the 2026 World Cup race. Especially in the South America zone, where everything is played now. If the six qualified (Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay) were already known before the last day, Bolivia won the seventh place on Tuesday evening thanks to its victory against Seleçao (1-0), which will allow him to compete in the intercontinental dams.
For its part, the Albiceleste lost to Guayaquil (0-1) against Ecuadorians who finish second in the ranking. A big surprise. Even if Lionel Scaloni, the Argentinian coach, had decided to blow Lionel Messi for this final meeting without stake, the 2022 world champions have evolved with most of their stars, including Lautaro Martinez. But the expulsion of Nicolas Otamendi at half an hour of play (31st) did not help.
Argentina loses the head of the FIFA ranking
This reverse of Argentina is not without consequence in the FIFA ranking, which will be officially updated on September 18 but that the football-ranking.com site updates in real time. While they have occupied first place in the world hierarchy since April 2023, the “La Pulga” teammates lose two places! With 15.04 points lost and 1870.32 points on the clock, they are doubled by Spain (1875.37 points, +8,28) and France (+187092 points, +8.89).
Two nations that started their playoffs very well in the Europe area. La Roja wandered in Türkiye (6-0) and Bulgaria (3-0) while the Blues won two successes against Ukraine (2-0) and Iceland (2-1). Lower, England retains its fourth place (1820.45 points) in front of the Portugal of Cristiano Ronaldo (1779.55 points), which chip fifth in Brazil (1761.60 points). Revealing one year from the North American World Cup?
The top 10 of the FIFA ranking (September 10, 2025)
1. Spain (+1) – 1875.37 points (+8,28)
2. France (+1) – 1870.92 points (+8.89)
3. Argentina (-2)-1870.32 points (-15.04)
4- England (=)- 1820.45 points (+7,13)
5. Portugal (+1) – 1779.55 points (+9,02)
6. Brazil (-1)-1761.60 points (-16.09)
7. Netherlands (=)-1754.17 points (-4.01)
8. Belgium (=) – 1739.54 points (+3,16)
9. Croatia (+1) – 1714.20 points (+6.69)
10. Italy (+1) – 1710.07 points (7.49)
