Argentina’s 1-0 loss to Ecuador on 10 September, played without Lionel Messi, brought an end to both their South American World Cup qualifying campaign and their final official fixture of 2025. The result will also cost Lionel Scaloni’s side their place at the top of the Fifa world rankings, which they have held since April 2023.
When the September international break concludes, Spain will move ahead of Argentina into first place. Fifa rankings are calculated based on recent results, with added weight given to the level of competition.
Argentina’s time at the summit was built on their triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well as victories in the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 Finalissima. Their Copa América 2024 win and strong qualifying campaign further cemented their dominance.
But the defeat to Ecuador signalled the end of that run. Even victory in their final match on 10 September may not have been enough to resist Spain’s surge.
Argentina have no official fixtures left in 2025, with their remaining dates in October and November reserved for friendly Fifa matches which carry fewer points. That leaves Spain with a clear opportunity to close the gap and push ahead.
While Argentina have been South America’s standard-bearers, Spain has regained control in Europe. Since Luis de la Fuente replaced Luis Enrique after the 2022 World Cup, his side has rebuilt around rising talents such as Lamine Yamal and Pedri.
That new core delivered Euro 2024 glory, Spain’s third continental title, all won this century. Earlier in 2025 they also reached the UEFA Nations League final, losing only on penalties to Portugal.
Spain have started World Cup qualifying strongly, leading Group E with six points from wins over Bulgaria and Turkey. Their recent form ensures they will now climb to the top of the Fifa list.
Looking ahead, the next Finalissima Fifa provisionally scheduled for March 2026 between Argentina and Spain Fifa could carry added significance as a battle between the two leading national teams.
Projected Fifa rankings
- Spain
- Argentina
- France
- England
- Brazil
- Portugal
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Germany
- Croatia
