April 2 – France are back on top of the world. For the first time since September 2018, Didier Deschamps’ side leads the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, climbing two places after an impressive international window.
Victories over Brazil and Colombia – both top-20 sides – underlined the depth now at Deschamps’ disposal. With the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Michael Olise and Désiré Doué added to an already formidable attack, France head into the summer as arguably the team to beat at the 2026 World Cup.
They move ahead of Spain, who slip to second. Spain’s grip on top spot, held since September 2025, loosened after a 0-0 draw with Egypt on home soil – a match overshadowed by anti-Muslim chanting from sections of the crowd, later condemned by Lamine Yamal.
World champions Argentina dropped to third but remain firmly in the conversation as they prepare to defend their title at the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup as a last dance for then 39-year-old Lionel Messi on what will feel like home soil for the MLS star.
England stay fourth despite a flat home defeat to Japan, with rotation the order of the day under Thomas Tuchel. Portugal edge up to fifth, swapping places with Brazil after capitalising on the Seleção’s loss to France.
The rest of the top ten remains unchanged: Netherlands (7th), Morocco (8th), Belgium (9th) and Germany (10th).
Beyond the leading pack, there was plenty of movement further down the rankings – much of it driven by the final push for FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification.
Türkiye (up to 22nd), Ivory Coast (34th), Sweden (38th) and Tunisia (44th) rose up the standings, but the biggest jump came from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Their six-place rise to 65th comes off the back of sealing a World Cup spot as heavy underdogs against 11th-ranked Italy – meaning they will join Sweden, Türkiye and Czechia as victors of the European play-offs.
Further down, Vietnam were the standout movers, climbing nine places to 99th, while Eritrea reappeared in the rankings altogether – their first inclusion in nearly three years.
With qualification now complete, only three of the world’s top 30 – Italy, Denmark and Nigeria – will miss out on this summer’s World Cup.
The next FIFA ranking update is scheduled for 10 June – the eve of the World Cup.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]