Argentina’s 1–0 defeat to Ecuador, with out Lionel Messi within the lineup, marked the top of the South American World Cup qualifiers — and in addition the ultimate official match of 2025 for Lionel Scaloni’s crew. The outcome price Argentina a major FIFA document to Spain.
Following the conclusion of the September worldwide break, Spain will overtake Argentina on the high of the FIFA world rankings. The rating system assigns factors to each nationwide crew primarily based on outcomes from latest matches, with weight given to the kind of competitors wherein these outcomes occurred.
Argentina had held the highest spot within the FIFA rankings since April 2023. That run was largely fueled by their triumph on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, in addition to earlier titles on the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 Finalissima. Their Copa America 2024 win and a robust run by way of the 2026 qualifiers solely solidified their place.
Nevertheless, regardless of their constant performances lately, Lionel Messi’s crew couldn’t stay on the high any longer. The loss to Ecuador marked the top of Argentina’s reign — though even a win on Tuesday might not have been sufficient to carry off Spain.
Lamine Yamal speaks with coach Luis de la Fuente throughout the UEFA EURO 2024 closing match between Spain and England on July 14, 2024 in Berlin, Germany.
That’s as a result of Argentina will not have any official matches in 2025, having accomplished their run within the World Cup qualifiers. In the course of the October and November worldwide breaks, they may play friendlies, which carry fewer rating factors — giving Spain the chance to realize floor and pull forward.
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Spain, the brand new FIFA No. 1
Simply as Argentina have dominated South America lately, Spain have asserted clear management in Europe. Since Luis De La Fuente took over as head coach following the frustration at Qatar 2022, the crew has discovered its rhythm — constructing round rising stars like Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
With that new core, Spain gained the Euro 2024 title — the third continental championship within the nation’s historical past, all of them on this century. Earlier this yr, additionally they reached the ultimate of the UEFA Nations League, the place they misplaced on penalties to Portugal.
Now, with the beginning of World Cup qualifying underway, Spain lead Group E with 6 factors after wins over Bulgaria and Turkey. These outcomes, mixed with their latest event success, have propelled them to the highest of the FIFA rankings. With that context, the upcoming Finalissima match between Argentina and Spain — tentatively scheduled for March subsequent yr — might show decisive on this rating battle.
Subsequent FIFA Rankings:
- Spain
- Argentina
- France
- England
- Brazil
- Portugal
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Germany
- Croatia
