Argentina have returned to the summit of the FIFA international rankings. Despite winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in December, Lionel Messi’s nation remained second behind rivals Brazil.
However, the world’s governing body of the sport bumped Argentina to the top spot in their latest update. It is the first time in six years that La Albiceleste sit atop the standings.
Argentina haven’t fallen off since lifting cup in Qatar
Gaining the number one spot was helped by recent victories over Panama and Curacao. Argentina won the friendlies with a collective score of 9-0.
Brazil dropped down to third in the rankings following a World Cup quarterfinal loss to Croatia and a friendly defeat to Morocco. 2022 World Cup runners-up France moved up to second place.
Besides the top three positions, there were no other movements in the top 10. Belgium, England, Netherlands, Croatia, Italy, Portugal, and Spain all held on to their previous places.
North American teams stay steady
The United States men’s national team also retained their spot at 13 in the rankings. The Yanks have had mixed results since their solid showing at the World Cup.
They first lost to Serbia and drew against Colombia, before getting back on track with Nations League wins against Grenada and El Salvador.
Mexico also remained steady in 15th, but Canada improved the rankings. Previously 53rd in the standings after a subpar showing at the World Cup, the Canadians moved up six places to 47th in the updated rankings.
The bump will be attributed to Nations League victories over Curacao and Honduras in March.
Central African Republic made the biggest move of any team during the update. The African nation jumped 10 places up to 122nd.
Along with the Les Fauves, Algeria, Scotland, Romania, Namibia, Malaysia, Gambia, and the aforementioned Canadians all moved up at least six places.
Top 10 FIFA Men’s World Rankings as of April 6th:
- Argentina
- France
- Brazil
- Belgium
- England
- Netherlands
- Croatia
- Italy
- Portugal
- Spain
Photo credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
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