Spain have retained top spot in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, extending a record unbeaten run to 42 matches, while Portugal climbed two places to fifth in the update released on 7 October. The top four of Spain, Argentina, France and England remains unchanged.
Spain first displaced Argentina at the summit in July after winning the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 in extra time. Four wins since then — all in the UEFA Nations League — have widened their lead over the chasing pack to almost 40 points, with Lamine Yamal again central to their form.
Portugal were the biggest movers inside the top ten. Under new coach Jorge Jesus they won all four of their recent Nations League fixtures, including away victories in Norway and Denmark, pushing Brazil down to sixth and Morocco to seventh.
Switzerland also rose two places, to 12th, after four wins that included three 3-0 scorelines, leapfrogging Germany and Croatia. Further down, Australia, Canada, Ivory Coast and Sweden all gained ground, while Greece jumped five places to 41st after stunning Germany away from home.
The rankings reflect 338 international matches played since the World Cup ended on 19 July, spanning Nations League fixtures and qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Mali and South Africa were among the biggest climbers overall, rising six places each.
For federations and sponsors alike, the table is more than a talking point. Rankings influence tournament seedings, commercial valuations and the fixture invitations that shape a national team’s next two years — which is why a two-place climb inside the top five carries weight well beyond the pitch.
