What the FIFA Rankings Tell Us About the 2026 World Cup
Spain on top, Argentina on their heels, France lurking — the FIFA rankings are clear, but the World Cup trophy is anyone's to grab.
The countdown is on — and the latest FIFA rankings give us the first real glimpse of who's arriving in form. Although history reminds us: the top spot is no guarantee of glory.
With fewer than 100 days until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the January 19 ranking update paints a clear picture of the current hierarchy.
Spain sit on top with 1877.18 points, ahead of defending world champions Argentina (1873.33) and France (1870) in an incredibly tight top three. England and Brazil round out the top five, with Europe firmly dominating the upper half of the table.
FIFA Rankings Top 10 — 100 Days Before the World Cup: 1️⃣ Spain 🇪🇸 – 1877.18 2️⃣ Argentina 🇦🇷 – 1873.33 3️⃣ France 🇫🇷 – 1870.00 4️⃣ England 🏴 – 1834.12 5️⃣ Brazil 🇧🇷 – 1760.46 6️⃣ Portugal 🇵🇹 – 1760.38 7️⃣ Netherlands 🇳🇱 – 1756.27 8️⃣ Morocco 🇲🇦 – 1736.57 9️⃣ Belgium 🇧🇪 – 1730.71 🔟 Germany 🇩🇪 – 1724.15
As for the hosts, the USA (15th, 1681.88) and Mexico (16th, 1675.75) enter the tournament with something no ranking can measure — home crowd support.
Challenge Zone
0 games available
From Category
Why Croatia Remain a 'Huge Threat' to England with Modrić and the New Generation
Heartbreak in 2018, humiliation at Wembley in 2007 — Croatia have a habit of haunting England like a shadow, and Dallas could be the next battleground.
Japan Aim to Spring a Surprise at the World Cup — Taking a Page from South Korea's Playbook
Three consecutive wins, 17 high-scoring matches, and a tactical identity built over four years — Japan are quietly emerging as one of the World Cup's most dangerous dark horses.
Vinícius: 'Ancelotti Tells Me Every Time That We'll Win the World Cup'
Vinícius is brimming with confidence — Ancelotti is learning Portuguese and promising Brazil the world title.
Undav: 'It's Shameful That I Always Have to Prove Myself' — Germany's Most Prolific Striker Is Not in the Squad
Germany's top scorer can't get a call-up — and he's not staying quiet about it.
Tuchel Is Adamant: Bellingham Goes to the World Cup — Injured or Not
Tuchel isn't waiting to see how Bellingham's injury develops — England's manager has already made up his mind.
Colombia Coach: Arias' Departure from Wolves Was the Right Move for His World Cup Chances
Wolves couldn't get the best out of him — but Colombia's coach is banking on Palmeiras to revive Arias before the World Cup.