Argentina Storms to FIFA's #1 Spot Just as the 2026 World Cup Kicks Off

Argentina aims to become the first men's side since Pelé's Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title, and reclaiming the No. 1 spot in the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in nearly a year just as the tournament begins is certain to boost the confidence of Lionel Messi and his teammates as they pursue glory.

The rankings have been reshuffled following nations' final pre-tournament fixtures in the weeks leading up to the 2026 World Cup. Argentina defeated Iceland and Honduras in two friendly matches, enough to jump two positions, from third to first. The last time the defending world champions held that position was July 2025.

Contributing to Argentina's ascent was France's unexpected defeat to Côte d'Ivoire last week. The 2022 World Cup runner-up went on to defeat Northern Ireland a few days afterward, but the earlier loss proved too damaging. Spain holds steady at second in the standings, unchanged after drawing with Iraq and defeating Peru.

Argentina has now strung together seven consecutive victories, netting 21 goals while conceding just once. The run began in October 2025, though none of those games have come in a competitive environment. Against Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Angola, Mauritania, Zambia, Honduras and Iceland, the side has also avoided any high-profile opposition, with a comfortable win each time being the bare minimum expectation.

Venezuela—ranked 49th in the world—is the only opponent placed within the top 50, while Puerto Rico and Mauritania both sit outside the top 100. The Mauritania and Zambia fixtures were hastily scheduled in March after the 2026 Finalissima against European champions Spain, originally set to be held in Qatar, was forcibly called off due to ongoing unrest in the Middle East.

Argentina will face a sterner examination once its Group J campaign opens on June 16. La Albiceleste takes on Algeria, Austria and Jordan in a highly favorable group stage, where as few as four points should virtually secure a spot in the knockout rounds. Even three points could suffice, providing an enormous and unprecedented safety net for all 48 participating teams.

FIFA Men's World Rankings: Top 20—June 11, 2026

The only nation ranked within the current top 20 not participating in the World Cup is Italy, underscoring the disaster and humiliation of failing to qualify for a third consecutive tournament for the four-time champions.