Key Takeaways:
- Spain returned to first place in the FIFA rankings for the first time since June 2014
- Argentina’s 1–0 defeat to Ecuador and Spain’s win over Turkey triggered a reshuffle at the summit
- France moved up to 2nd place
Spain Ascend to FIFA Summit After Extended Interval
Spain have reclaimed the number one position in the FIFA World Rankings, marking their return to the top of world football for the first time since June 2014. The national side had previously dominated during their golden run, capturing Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012. This latest ascent ends more than eleven years away from the top, following a period marked by readjustment and rebuilding.
🔝🇪🇸 Spain claim the top spot in the latest #FIFARanking!
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) September 18, 2025
The shift occurred after Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina suffered a 1–0 defeat against Ecuador during the most recent South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Simultaneously, Spain’s victory over Turkey allowed them to surpass Argentina, ending the Albiceleste’s two-and-a-half-year period at the summit.
De la Fuente’s Impact and Recent Form
Under the guidance of Luis de la Fuente, who took over in December 2022 following Spain’s exit in the round of 16 at the Qatar World Cup, La Roja have surged in form. When De la Fuente began his tenure, Spain were ranked tenth. Since then, Spain have maintained a 27-match unbeaten run in competitive fixtures, with their only setback being a penalty shootout defeat to Portugal in the Nations League final. They have also avoided defeat in their last 22 matches since a 1–0 friendly loss to Colombia in March 2024.
FIFA Rankings Breakdown and Upcoming Fixtures
Spain currently sit atop the table with 1,875.37 points, overtaking both France (1,870.92) and Argentina (1,870.32) following recent wins over Bulgaria and Turkey. France have moved up to 2nd spot, after wins against Ukraine and Iceland. The top three are now separated by just five points, setting the stage for a keen contest during the October international break. Spain are slated to host Georgia and Bulgaria, France will play Azerbaijan and Iceland, and Argentina have lined up friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
Momentum from Major Tournaments
La Roja’s return to prominence has been propelled by success in the 2023 Nations League Final Four, an impressive victory at Euro 2024, and a runner-up finish in the 2025 Nations League. These achievements have reinforced their status as serious contenders for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The Top-Ranking “Curse” and Historical Trends
However, history offers Spain a caution: no side atop the FIFA rankings at the commencement of any World Cup has gone on to lift the trophy. Spain experienced this disappointment in 2014, falling at the group stage despite entering the tournament as reigning world and European champions. The pattern has repeated for others – Brazil led the rankings in 2022 but exited in the quarter-finals, while champions Argentina began that event ranked third. Germany similarly crashed out in the group phase in 2018, despite holding first place, whereas France, seventh at the time, ultimately won the tournament. Spain now aim to defy this longstanding trend with nine months until the 2026 World Cup.
