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NEW world number one in latest FIFA rankings

Posted on July 5, 2026
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There is a new No 1-ranked team in the FIFA rankings following the latest round of action at FIFA World Cup 2026.

France have leapfrogged defending champions Argentina and now sit atop the rankings.

However, it must be noted that these rankings are real-time, with France having already played – and won – their Round of 16 clash 1-0 against Paraguay to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Check the latest World Cup odds with Sportingbet

Meanwhile, second-ranked Argentina and third-ranked Spain are still to play their Round of 16 fixtures.

Argentina face Egypt, while Spain take on a Portugal side led by Cristiano Ronaldo, who is chasing the one major trophy missing from his glittering career – the FIFA World Cup.

It promises to be one of the standout matches of the tournament, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

ALSO READ: HERE’S HOW MUCH BAFANA BAFANA BANKED IN TOTAL AT FIFA WORLD CUP 2026

LATEST FIFA RANKINGS: TOP 10

Rank Team Rating
1 (↑1) France 1925.86
2 (↓1) Argentina 1913.71
3 (↓1) Spain 1892.28
4 England 1850.97
5 (↑1) Brazil 1804.92
6 (↑1) Morocco 1803.99
7 (↓2) Portugal 1787.85
8 Netherlands 1775.54
9 Belgium 1756.51
10 (↑4) Mexico 1754.30

FRANCE LEAPFROG ARGENTINA

While France leapfrogged Argentina to become the new No 1-ranked team, Argentina dropped from first to second and Spain fell from second to third.

France are shaping up to be the team to beat at this year’s FIFA World Cup with Kylian Mbappe in red-hot form having scored a joint-leading seven goals in the tournament to date.

Argentina will return to No 1 with victory over Mohamed Salah’s Egypt – and are strong favourites to do so.

That match in Atlanta, Georgia will take place on Tuesday, 7 July at 18:00 (SA time).

The defending FIFA World Cup champions will be aiming to book their place in the quarter-finals.

Egypt are the only other African side left after Morocco booked their place in the quarter-finals after defeating co-hosts Canada 3-0 in their Round of 32 encounter.

Meanwhile, Spain face Portugal in the standout fixture of the Round of 16.

It is world No 3 against world No 7.

Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal comes up against football icon Cristiano Ronaldo and an inspired Portugal side.

Two European heavyweights. Two football powerhouses. One place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals at stake.

ROUND OF 32 FIXTURES AND RESULTS

  • Canada 0-3 Morocco
  • Paraguay 0-1 France

Sunday, 5 July

  • Brazil vs Norway – New York New Jersey Stadium – 22:00
  • Mexico vs England – Mexico City Stadium – 02:00

Monday, 6 July

  • Portugal vs Spain – Dallas Stadium, Texas – 21:00
  • United States vs Belgium – Seattle Stadium, Washington – 02:00

Tuesday, 7 July

  • Argentina vs Egypt – Atlanta Stadium, Georgia – 18:00
  • Switzerland vs Colombia – BC Place, Vancouver – 22:00

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL WIN FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?

Give us your predictions in the comments section below …

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