Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé discover themselves in very completely different circumstances with their nationwide groups — one already certified for the 2026 World Cup, the opposite nonetheless chasing a ticket. But each nations made headlines throughout the October worldwide window, as Argentina has formally overtaken France within the newest FIFA Rankings.
For Argentina, qualification for the World Cup was secured again in March. With CONMEBOL qualifiers now wrapped up, La Albiceleste used October to proceed its preparations with a pair of friendlies. The reigning world champions defeated Venezuela 1-0 with out Messi earlier than welcoming him again for a dominant 6-0 victory over Puerto Rico to shut their U.S. tour on a excessive word.
France, in the meantime, confronted Matchdays 3 and 4 of UEFA qualifying, seeking to take a significant step towards qualification. Les Bleus started with a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan — a match that noticed Mbappé choose up an harm that dominated him out of the next fixture in opposition to Iceland. With out their captain, France have been held to a 2-2 attract Reykjavik.
Regardless of main Group D with 10 factors, the draw proved to be a setback — not solely in France’s qualification push but in addition within the FIFA Rankings. With two victories in Miami, Argentina climbed to second place, pushing France down to 3rd, whereas Spain stays the undisputed chief on the prime of the desk.
Lionel Messi celebrates Argentina’s aim along with his teammates.
The up to date rating carries added significance forward of the 2026 World Cup draw, as FIFA makes use of the standings to find out the seeding pots. Primarily based on present projections, Pot 1 is predicted to incorporate Mexico, the US, and Canada (the three co-hosts), adopted by Spain, Argentina, France, England, Portugal, Brazil, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.
see additionally
Kylian Mbappe’s standing revealed: Will Actual Madrid star face Getafe in La Liga this weekend after harm scare with France?
When will the subsequent FIFA Rating be launched?
Within the earlier replace, Argentina misplaced its No. 1 spot after greater than two years atop the rating, a run that spanned from the 2022 World Cup triumph by the 2024 Copa América. With Spain and France shifting forward, Messi’s crew is now poised to reclaim no less than a type of positions.
FIFA will publish the subsequent world rating on October 22, the place Argentina, at the moment on 1,870.32 factors, is projected to edge previous France, who sit on 1,870.92 factors. The draw in opposition to Iceland was sufficient to price Les Bleus essential floor.
Argentina and France gained’t be the one groups swapping locations within the Prime 10. The Netherlands (at the moment seventh) are anticipated to maneuver forward of Brazil (sixth), whereas Croatia (ninth) may drop out of the Prime 10 altogether — overtaken by Italy (tenth) and Germany (twelfth).
