The 2026 World Cup is approaching its climax, with only eight teams remaining as the quarterfinals are set to kick off on Thursday, July 9th. In the latest FIFA Rankings update, Kylian Mbappe's France has reclaimed the top position, surpassing Lionel Messi's Argentina.

France Surges to First Place

France secured their spot at the top of the rankings following a narrow 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the Round of 16, where Mbappe scored the crucial penalty. This win earned Les Bleus an additional 9.26 ranking points, bringing their total to 1,925.86. In contrast, Argentina, who had initially entered the tournament ranked first, managed a remarkable comeback against Egypt, winning 3-2, but this was not enough to maintain their lead. The Albiceleste now sit in second place with 1,925.15 points, trailing France by just 0.71 points.

Historic Quarterfinals

The quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup have already made history, as it marks the first time that traditional powerhouses Brazil, Germany, and Italy are all absent from this stage of the tournament. Despite this shake-up, six of the eight remaining teams were ranked in the top 10 of the FIFA Rankings prior to the tournament.

As the competition intensifies, the rankings reflect the shifting dynamics of the tournament, with France now leading the way as they aim for World Cup glory.