France overtake Argentina to go top of FIFA rankings ahead of WC quarters

France have dethroned defending champions Argentina to reclaim top spot in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking ahead of the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.

Didier Deschamps' side climbed above Argentina and Spain after an impressive run to the last eight, with Les Bleus now leading the global standings as they prepare for a quarterfinal clash against Morocco.

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France's rise has pushed Lionel Scaloni's Argentina down to second despite the South Americans maintaining a perfect record at the tournament. Spain slipped to third, while England retained fourth place in the latest rankings, underlining the dominance of the World Cup quarterfinalists.

Morocco have also continued their remarkable ascent, moving back up to sixth after closing to within a single point of fifth-placed Brazil. The Atlas Lions benefited from Brazil's shock 2-1 defeat to Norway in the Round of 16 and will be aiming to continue their fairytale run when they face France in Boston.

Spain, meanwhile, slipped one place despite producing a series of impressive displays in North America. La Roja lost ground after being held to a goalless draw by Cabo Verde, allowing France to edge ahead on ranking points, although Luis de la Fuente's men stayed on the podium thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Portugal in the Round of 16.

Portugal's exit saw them fall two places to seventh, while Belgium climbed one spot to eighth after their emphatic 4-1 victory over the United States. The Red Devils will now meet Spain in Los Angeles for a place in the semi-finals.

Norway have emerged as the biggest movers since the tournament began, climbing 12 places to 19th following a dream campaign in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

Stale Solbakken's side stunned five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 16 and have been inspired by Erling Haaland, whose seven goals in four matches have made him one of the leading contenders for the Golden Boot.

Norway's reward is a quarterfinal showdown with England, who strengthened their hold on fourth place after edging co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling Round of 16 contest. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have combined for 10 of England's 11 goals so far, giving Thomas Tuchel plenty of reason for optimism heading into the clash in Miami.

Although Argentina surrendered top spot in the rankings, the defending world champions remain unbeaten after winning all five of their matches in North America.

Their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt secured a place in the quarterfinals, where they will take on Switzerland.

The Swiss continued their steady rise by overcoming Colombia on penalties, lifting them five places to 14th in the rankings. Murat Yakin's unbeaten side are now within touching distance of a return to the world's top 10 for the first time in seven years as they seek to upset the reigning champions.