The dawn of a new year brings fresh excitement to international football, and the first FIFA Men’s World Ranking update of 2026, released on January 19, doesn’t disappoint. With Spain maintaining their iron grip on the top spot, the rankings reflect the aftermath of the recently concluded CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where strong performances shook up the lower end of the top 10.
This update comes hot on the heels of the December 2025 ranking, where the top seven remained static, but the AFCON results propelled some notable shifts. Morocco, as hosts, reached the final but fell short against winners Senegal, yet their impressive run earned them a historic climb. Let’s break down the top 10, comparing each team’s current position to their standing in the December 2025 ranking (released on December 22, 2025).
| Rank | Team | Previous Rank (Dec 2025) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spain | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Argentina | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | France | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | England | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Brazil | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Portugal | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Netherlands | 7 | 0 |
| 8 | Morocco | 11 | +3 |
| 9 | Belgium | 8 | -1 |
| 10 | Germany | 9 | -1 |
Who Stepped Up?
Morocco’s Historic Rise: From 11th in December to 8th now, Morocco’s +3 jump is the headline story. Their AFCON campaign, even without the trophy, showcased tactical brilliance and depth, earning them crucial points and a new peak ranking. This is a massive boost for African football, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
No other teams in the top 10 climbed, but Senegal (not in the top 10) jumped +7 to 12th after claiming the AFCON crown.
Who Fell Off?
Belgium and Germany Slide: Both European powerhouses took minor tumbles due to Morocco’s ascent. Belgium dropped from 8th to 9th, while Germany fell from 9th to 10th. These shifts highlight how competitive international football has become, with no room for complacency.
Croatia Drops Out: The 2018 World Cup runners-up were 10th in December but have been bumped to 11th (presumably), making way for Morocco.
The top seven’s stability speaks to the elite level of these squads, with no major international windows disrupting their positions since December. However, the AFCON injected volatility lower down, rewarding strong continental showings.
What Does This Mean for 2026?
As we gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, these rankings will influence seeding and qualifiers. Spain’s pole position cements them as favorites, but Argentina and France lurk closely. Morocco’s breakthrough could inspire more African success, potentially shaking up the global order further. Keep an eye on upcoming friendlies and qualifiers—the next ranking update in April could see more fireworks.
