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WHAT WILL THE FIFA RANKING LOOK LIKE BEFORE THE 2026 WORLD CUP?

Did you know that the FIFA ranking is much more than just a table? It's a barometer of power, form, and international respect. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the rankings are gaining more weight. Will Brazil reclaim the top spot? Will France remain a powerhouse? Will there be any African or Asian surprises in the top 10? This article breaks down everything you need to know about the FIFA ranking before the ball starts rolling in North America. With fresh data, interesting facts, projections, and plenty of juicy tidbits, we'll tell you which teams are the favorites and which ones could surprisingly climb the rankings.

The System That Defines Prestige


Before discussing rankings, it's crucial to understand how the FIFA ranking is calculated. Since 2018, the SUMA ELO method has been used, a fairer system that evaluates results based on the importance of the match, the strength of the opponent, and the continent.


Every win, draw, or loss has a value. Beating Germany in a World Cup is not the same as beating an unranked team in a friendly.

That's why national teams plan their matches also with the FIFA ranking in mind.


Factors that influence the ranking


  • Importance of the match: A qualifying or World Cup match is worth more than a friendly.

  • Strength of the opponent: Beating a top team adds many more points.

  • Recent results: Performances in the last 4 years carry more weight.

  • Confederation: Matches between teams from different confederations have specific weightings.

  • Difference of Goals: It doesn't directly affect it, but it does influence future perceptions.


This system has reduced certain injustices of the past, such as teams climbing the ladder just by winning friendlies. Now, real competitiveness is rewarded. And with the 2026 World Cup just around the corner, every point counts.


Who will arrive as the favorite?


With months to go before the World Cup, and with continental tournaments (Euro 2024, Copa América 2024, Nations League, qualifiers) already played, we can make a fairly realistic projection of the FIFA ranking top 10 prior to the World Cup.


Projected Top 10 (before the final draw)


  • 1. France – Brutal consistency, young squad, semi-finalist in 2022 and finalist in Qatar.

  • 2. Argentina – Reigning champion, still with Messi as its spiritual leader.

  • 3. Brazil – In rebuilding, but still regularly adding points.

  • 4. England – Strong in qualifiers, semi-finalist in Russia and runner-up in Europe.

  • 5. Portugal – With new talents like Gonçalo Ramos and a wiser CR7.

  • 6. Spain – In transition, but with youngsters like Pedri and Gavi shining.

  • 7. Netherlands – Powerful return to the elite, with tactical solidity.

  • 8. Croatia – A golden generation that still endures with Modrić as its standard-bearer.

  • 9. Belgium – In decline, but still competitive thanks to De Bruyne.

  • 10. Senegal – The highest-ranked African team thanks to their continental triumphs.


This top list isn't just for trivia; it has real implications: it directly influences the draw pots. Being among the top teams can save you from a difficult group.


Furthermore, teams like Japan, Morocco, and the United States could break into the top 15 if they maintain their current form. Watch out for surprises!


The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

The world of football is buzzing with anticipation. The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and national teams are battling for their place in the biggest tournament, where every match defines the dreams and hopes of millions of fans.With three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—this edition promises to be historic: more teams, more goals, and a unique global experience. Coaches are fine-tuning their strategies, and players are vying for their ticket to the most anticipated tournament.The countdown has begun. The ball is about to start rolling, and the whole world awaits the moment a new chapter begins.The World Cup is almost here… and the passion is palpable.

What few people know about the FIFA ranking


The FIFA ranking has its oddities and curiosities. For example, there are national teams that have climbed more than 50 places in less than two years. There are also teams that surprisingly drop in the rankings despite winning matches. How is that possible?

We'll tell you about it.


Cases that stand out


  • Morocco: After their epic 2022 World Cup, they climbed from 22nd to 11th place in less than six months.

  • Italy: They didn't qualify for Qatar but remain in the top 10 thanks to their victories in Europe.

  • Qatar: Despite hosting in 2022, they fell in the rankings due to poor post-World Cup performances.

  • Canada: They climbed more than 30 places between 2021 and 2022. A case of total rebirth.

  • India: With investment and development, it's approaching the top 100 for the first time in years.


Another oddity is how teams that don't play many matches can stagnate or even drop, even if they don't lose. The ranking rewards activity and constant competition. Thus, countries that only play friendlies or easy qualifiers don't climb as quickly.


And as the icing on the cake: there are teams not recognized by the UN (like Kosovo or Palestine) that appear in the ranking and have had meteoric rises. Football, definitely, goes beyond politics.


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