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Spain Tops First 2026 FIFA Ranking as AFCON Shifts Lift Africa’s Contenders

AFCON-driven gains for Senegal and Morocco reset momentum ahead of ArgentinaSpain’s March Finalissima and the World Cup.

Overview

  • FIFA’s January 2026 men’s ranking lists Spain at No. 1, Argentina at No. 2 and France at No. 3, with a tight margin separating the top two.
  • Senegal, fresh off its Africa Cup of Nations title, jumps from 19th to 12th for a best-ever position.
  • Morocco climbs into the top 10 at its highest ranking, while Croatia slips to 11th in the new table.
  • Other notable African moves include Nigeria up 12 places to 26th, Cameroon up 12 to 45th, Egypt to 31st (+4), Ivory Coast to 37th (+5) and DR Congo to 48th (+8).
  • Argentina faces Spain in the Finalissima on March 27 in Qatar and targets upcoming fixtures and the World Cup as chances to reclaim No. 1 after leading from April 2023 to July 2025.