The FIFA World Cup 26 qualifiers have brought significant shifts to the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, with Venezuela emerging as a notable contender.
A total of 165 international matches took place earlier this month, featuring FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifiers, preliminary rounds of continental competitions, and exciting Concacaf Nations League clashes. These matches left a lasting impact on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.
At the summit, the top three remain unchanged. Argentina (1st) continues to hold a comfortable lead with 8.18 points more than their nearest rivals, France.
Meanwhile, Les Bleus solidify their second-place position, extending the gap to 40.91 points ahead of Brazil (3rd). A Seleção, after a 1-1 draw at home to Venezuela and a 2-0 loss to Uruguay, now faces stiff competition from England (4th).
Belgium retains their fifth place, but they should keep an eye on resurgent Portugal (6th, up 2) closing in. Spain (8th, up 2) is also making progress, closing in on the Netherlands (7th). Italy (9th) and Croatia (10th, down 4) round out the top ten, with the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ runners-up clinging to their spot despite recent setbacks.
In a remarkable achievement, Venezuela (49th, up 4) currently sits fourth in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Their impressive continental form has propelled them back into the world’s top 50, displacing Côte d’Ivoire (52nd, down 2).
Wales (28th, up 5) and Türkiye (38th, up 4) are also on the rise. Belarus (100th, up 5) has re-entered the top 100, and Slovenia (54th, up 5) is making strides as well.
Nonetheless, the most significant changes can be seen lower down the rankings. Kosovo (105th) has achieved a historic milestone, climbing six places to their highest-ever ranking.
Bangladesh (183rd, up 6) is experiencing a positive surge, but the most impressive gain belongs to Lithuania (134th, up 9). These shifts are shaking up the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.
