Spain have strengthened their position at the top of the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, while Argentina and Germany headline major movements within the top 10.
The October 2025 update follows an action-packed international window featuring 173 matches, including FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers across five continents and a series of friendlies.
Reigning world champions Argentina have climbed back into second place, overtaking France after a strong run of results. The Albiceleste are now close behind Spain, who remain in first position after securing back-to-back victories that reinforced their hold on top spot. France drop to third after a 2-2 draw away to Iceland in UEFA qualifying.
Germany have returned to the top 10, moving up two places to tenth following consistent performances in recent qualifiers. Their return comes at the expense of Croatia, who fall to eleventh after dropping points in a World Cup qualifier ahead of next year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Elsewhere in the top rankings, the Netherlands rise to sixth, overtaking Brazil, who fall to seventh after a friendly defeat against Japan. Within the top 50, Hungary, Scotland, Nigeria and Romania have all made progress, each climbing at least four places following strong recent form.
Further down the table, the biggest climbers are Niger, Lesotho and the Faroe Islands, each moving up nine places. The Faroe Islands’ rise comes after an impressive qualifying campaign that included a surprise victory over Czechia, who drop five spots to 44th.
Other teams on the rise include Kosovo, who have achieved a historic high of 84th place after climbing seven spots. Syria and Liberia have also made gains, each rising six places in the latest update.
At the other end, Greece and Sweden have both fallen eight positions after recent defeats in World Cup qualifiers. Sweden also recorded the largest points drop, losing 27.63 ranking points overall.
No new teams have entered or exited the ranking, which continues to list 210 active national teams. Eritrea remains unranked due to inactivity.
The full FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking is available on Inside FIFA, with the next update scheduled for 21 November 2025.
Key highlights:
- Leaders: Spain (unchanged)
- Moves into top 10: Germany (10th, up 2)
- Moves out of top 10: Croatia (11th, down 2)
- Biggest climbers: Faroe Islands, Lesotho, Niger (up 9 places each)
- Biggest drop: Greece and Sweden (down 8 places each)
- Matches played: 173
