France, current runner-up in the world, took the lead in the FIFA (International Football Federation) world rankings, surpassing Spain. The new classification was published this Wednesday (1st), after the matches played during the window for international duels in March.
Kylian Mbappé’s team rose two positions, overtaking Spain, which is now in second, and Argentina, current world champion and third in the ranking.
Victorious in the two friendlies in March — against Brazil and Colombia —, France had not been at the top of the rankings since 2018, the year in which they won their second world championship, in Russia.
Spain, the current European champion, lost its top spot in the rankings after a goalless draw with Egypt on Tuesday in Barcelona, in a game that was marked by racist chants against Muslims in the stands.
Brazil, which was defeated by France 2-1 on Thursday (26) and redeemed itself on Tuesday, by beating Croatia 3-1, fell from fifth to sixth place and is behind England (4th) and Portugal (5th).
Among the top 30 teams in the ranking, only Italy (12th), Denmark (20th) and Nigeria (26th) will be left out of the 2026 World Cup. As for the countries that will host this year’s competition, Mexico moved up one position, to 15th place, swapping places with the United States team, now in 16th. Canada is 30th.
The next ranking update will take place on June 10, one day before the start of the World Cup.
FIFA rankings on April 1, 2026
1. France
2. Spain
3. Argentina
4. England
5. Portugal
6. Brazil
7. Netherlands
8. Morocco
9. Belgium
10. Germany
