Argentina Reclaims FIFA Top Spot Ahead of World Cup 2023

In a surprising twist, Argentina has reclaimed the number one position in the FIFA rankings just a week before the World Cup. This shift comes after Spain's draw with Iraq, allowing Messi's team to regain their status despite not playing recently. With a strong track record and a solid squad, Argentina is poised to defend their title in the upcoming tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. They will face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in Group J, aiming to break the historical trend of top-ranked teams failing to win the World Cup. Will Messi lead them to victory once again?

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 5, 2026, 17:32 IST

Argentina's Last-Minute Ranking Surge

In a surprising turn of events, just one week prior to the World Cup, Argentina has ascended to the top of the FIFA rankings. Spain, which previously held the number one position, dropped after a draw against Iraq in a friendly match. With a rating of 1874.81 points, Lionel Messi's team has regained its status at the pinnacle of the FIFA men's world rankings, despite not playing any recent matches. This shift is primarily due to the performances of competing teams.

Current Rankings: Top Teams

The latest FIFA rankings reveal Brazil in the 6th position. The top five teams are as follows:

1. Argentina

2. Spain

3. France

4. England

5. Portugal

Following Brazil, the rankings continue with Morocco at 7th, Netherlands at 8th, Belgium at 9th, and Germany at 10th. Among Asian teams, Japan leads at 18th, while India has fallen to 137th. Spain's drop to second place came after their 1-1 draw with Iraq, and France slipped to third following a 2-1 defeat against Ivory Coast.

Boost in Morale for Messi's Team

This ranking news has significantly boosted Argentina's morale just ahead of the World Cup. After clinching the title at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Messi's squad is eager to defend their championship. Under the guidance of coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina has maintained a winning streak over the past few years, including a Copa America victory in 2024 and topping the South American World Cup qualifiers. Lionel Messi, even at 38, remains the team's cornerstone, supported by talented players like Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Analysts also praise their formidable defense.

Argentina's World Cup Group Details

The upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, features 48 teams. Argentina has been drawn into Group J, where they will compete against Algeria, Austria, and Jordan during the group stage. Their first match is set against Algeria in Kansas City. Interestingly, historical data shows that since the inception of FIFA rankings in 1993, no team ranked number one just before the World Cup has ever won the tournament. Messi and his teammates now have the opportunity to change that narrative.