The FIFA world rankings saw several nations climb positions in the April update released on Thursday, as preparations for the 2026 World Cup continue across North America. Argentina maintains its hold on the top spot, marking a remarkable two full years as the world’s number one team.
Recent FIFA Rankings Show Movement Among Nations
Argentina remains firmly at the top of the FIFA Rankings, extending their reign that began in April 2023. The world champions have now accumulated a total of 1,498 days as the world’s top-ranked team across all their stints at the summit.
Spain has moved up to second place with 1,854.64 points, pushing France down to third with 1,852.71 points. England and Brazil round out the top five, with the Netherlands climbing to sixth.
Notable movements in Africa include Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who stepped up one place to 43rd globally and sixth on the continent despite mixed results in their recent World Cup qualifying matches. Morocco remains Africa’s highest-ranked team at 12th place globally, followed by Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire in the continental top five.
In Asia, Indonesia has made significant progress, rising to 123rd place, which marks their best position in the FIFA rankings in the last 15 years. This improvement came after their victory over Bahrain in the Asian zone World Cup Qualifiers.
World Cup 2026 Qualification Progress
Argentina became the first South American team to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a commanding 4-1 victory over Brazil in March. With 28 points from their qualifying matches, Argentina has already locked in their spot for the tournament.
Japan also made history by becoming the first non-host nation to clinch a 2026 World Cup berth after beating Bahrain 2-0, achieving qualification with three games to spare. The Samurai Blue will be making their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance.
In the CONMEBOL qualifying table, Ecuador sits in second place with 23 points, followed by Uruguay (21), Brazil (21), and Paraguay (21). The competition for the six automatic qualification spots from South America remains tight with four rounds of matches remaining.
Host Cities Accelerate Preparations
The Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Local Organizing Committee has announced the winner of the Official FIFA World Cup 26 Host City Poster contest. The poster features iconic local landmarks including the historic Chinatown Gate, the Pacific Science Center, and the Stadium. This marks the first time that FIFA has worked with local artists specific to each host city to design unique posters.
In Dallas, city officials are focusing on safety and transportation as top priorities ahead of the tournament. The city will host nine matches at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Fair Park and other venues across Dallas being used for fan festivals.
Carson, California is rolling out a $27-million plan to bring fast, reliable broadband to the city before the tournament. The municipal fiber optic network will connect all major city parks to free Wi-Fi, including Dignity Health Sports Park, where practice sessions will be held.
Concerns and Innovations for the Tournament
Researchers have warned FIFA about potential heat risks to players and fans at the 2026 World Cup. A study led by Queen’s University Belfast found that temperatures at 14 of the 16 stadiums could exceed potentially dangerous levels during the tournament. Climate scientists recommend avoiding afternoon games, from midday to 6pm, at six locations with the highest heat risk.
In a surprising announcement, FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed that the 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime show for the first time in tournament history. The show will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with Coldplay helping to select the performing artists.
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, nations around the world are pushing to secure their spots in the expanded 48-team tournament that will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
