FIFA rankings: Argentina climb up to top spot ahead of France & Brazil

Argentina have knocked Brazil off the top of the FIFA rankings after romping to victory in their recent friendlies against Panama and Curacao (h/t Reuters).

Lionel Scaloni’s side hit nine goals without reply in their latest outings to depose their South American rivals as world number one.

The 2021 Copa America winners have been in stellar form over the past few years, culminating in a memorable success at last year’s World Cup in Qatar.

Argentina beat France on penalties in a thrilling final to add their name to the World Cup winners list for the third time.  

Les Blues have moved up to second place after kicking off their 2024 European Championship campaign with victories over Netherlands and Ireland.

Brazil slipped to third after losing 2-1 away to Morocco in a friendly, while Belgium and England round off the top five.

Netherlands are sixth, Croatia seventh and Italy eighth. Portugal and Spain complete the top 10.

The United States are currently 13th in the standings, one place ahead of Germany who have flopped at the last two major tournaments.

Senegal are the only other team alongside Argentina and France who have climbed into the top 20 after leapfrogging Denmark into 18th place.

Wales (26th) and Scotland (36th) have climbed in the rankings, but Northern Ireland have dropped to 62nd place.

The Central African Republic were the biggest movers in the latest standings, climbing ten places to 122nd.

San Marino (211th) are officially the lowest-ranked team in the world behind Anguilla.