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Soccer-Spain return to top of FIFA rankings, Germany drop outside top 10

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 19, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Soccer-Spain return to top of FIFA rankings, Germany drop outside top 10
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(Reuters) - Euro 2024 champions Spain have climbed to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time in 11 years while Germany dropped out of the top 10, world soccer's governing body said. France

Soccer-Spain return to top of FIFA rankings, Germany drop outside top 10

FIFA Rankings Overview

(Reuters) - Euro 2024 champions Spain have climbed to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time in 11 years while Germany dropped out of the top 10, world soccer's governing body said.

Top 10 Ranked Nations

France moved up to second in the latest rankings published on Thursday with reigning World Cup champions Argentina slipping to third after their 1-0 loss to Ecuador in 2026 qualifying.

Germany's Decline

Nations League winners Portugal climbed one spot to fifth.

Movers and Shakers

Germany dropped outside the top 10 for the first time in almost a year after their defeat in Slovakia earlier this month.

Slovakia were the biggest movers, surging 10 places to 42nd.

TOP 10-RANKED NATIONS

1. Spain

2. France

3. Argentina

4. England

5. Portugal

6. Brazil

7. Netherlands

8. Belgium

9. Croatia

10. Italy

(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

Key Takeaways

  • Spain returns to the top of FIFA rankings after 11 years.
  • Germany drops out of the top 10 for the first time in a year.
  • France moves up to second place in the rankings.
  • Argentina slips to third after a loss to Ecuador.
  • Slovakia makes significant progress, climbing 10 places.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the FIFA ranking?
The FIFA ranking is a system used to rank national soccer teams based on their performance in international matches. It is updated periodically and reflects the teams' competitive strength.
What is a national soccer team?
A national soccer team represents a country in international competitions. These teams are composed of players selected from the country's domestic leagues and are governed by the national soccer federation.
What is the significance of the FIFA rankings?
The FIFA rankings are significant as they determine seedings for international tournaments and reflect a team's performance over time, influencing their reputation and sponsorship opportunities.
What is the UEFA Nations League?
The UEFA Nations League is a biennial international soccer competition involving European national teams. It aims to provide more competitive matches and reduce the number of friendly games.

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