Top FIFA rankings shape how fans, analysts, and federations view international football. These rankings determine tournament seedings, influence sponsorship deals, and spark endless debates among supporters. In 2025, the landscape of global football continues to shift as new talents emerge and established powers fight to maintain their positions.
This guide breaks down everything worth knowing about FIFA rankings this year. From the highest-ranked national teams to the best individual players, readers will find clear answers backed by current data. Whether someone follows the sport casually or tracks every ranking update, this article delivers the essential information.
Key Takeaways
- Top FIFA rankings determine tournament seedings and can significantly impact a team’s path through major competitions.
- Argentina holds the number one FIFA position in 2025, followed by France, England, and Brazil in the top four.
- Lionel Messi remains the top FIFA player, winning his eighth Ballon d’Or in 2024, while Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland lead the next generation.
- FIFA calculates rankings using an Elo-based system that weighs match results, tournament importance, and opponent strength.
- Rankings update after each international window, meaning strong performances in the Nations League or World Cup qualifiers can shift positions quickly.
Understanding FIFA World Rankings
FIFA introduced its world rankings system in 1992. The system assigns points to national teams based on their match results. These points create a global hierarchy that FIFA updates after each international window.
The rankings serve several practical purposes. Tournament organizers use them to seed teams in draws. Broadcasters reference them when promoting matches. Fans use them to measure their team’s standing against rivals.
Top FIFA positions matter because they affect a team’s path through major competitions. A higher-ranked team typically faces weaker opponents in early rounds. This advantage can mean the difference between a deep tournament run and an early exit.
The system has evolved over the years. FIFA overhauled its calculation method in 2018 to address criticism that the old formula produced strange results. The current version uses an Elo-based approach that better reflects actual team strength.
Top-Ranked National Teams in 2025
Argentina currently holds the top FIFA position heading into 2025. Their World Cup triumph in 2022 and subsequent Copa America victory cemented their place at the summit. The team has maintained consistency under coach Lionel Scaloni.
France sits in second place. Even though their World Cup final loss, Les Bleus remain one of football’s most talented squads. Their depth across every position keeps them competitive in every tournament they enter.
England occupies third place in the rankings. The Three Lions have steadily climbed under Gareth Southgate’s successors, reaching multiple tournament finals in recent years. Their young core suggests they’ll stay among the top FIFA teams for years to come.
Brazil rounds out the top four. The Seleção experienced a transitional period but retain the individual talent to beat anyone on their day. Their rebuild under new management shows promising signs.
Other notable teams in the top ten include:
- Belgium (5th)
- Portugal (6th)
- Netherlands (7th)
- Spain (8th)
- Italy (9th)
- Croatia (10th)
These rankings shift regularly. A strong Nations League campaign or World Cup qualifying run can move teams several spots in either direction.
Best FIFA Players Right Now
Lionel Messi remains the benchmark for individual excellence. At 37, he continues to produce at an elite level. His eighth Ballon d’Or in 2024 confirmed what many already knew, he’s still the best.
Kylian Mbappé represents the next generation’s top FIFA talent. The French forward combines blistering pace with clinical finishing. His move to Real Madrid in 2024 added another chapter to an already impressive career.
Erling Haaland has established himself as football’s most prolific striker. The Norwegian scores goals at a rate that defies logic. His physical gifts and instincts make him nearly impossible to stop.
Jude Bellingham emerged as a global star following his transfer to Real Madrid. The English midfielder scores crucial goals and controls matches with ease. He’s on track to win multiple Ballon d’Or awards.
Vinicius Junior rounds out the top five. The Brazilian winger terrorizes defenders with his dribbling and speed. His performances in Champions League finals have made him a household name.
Other players deserving mention include Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, and Florian Wirtz. Each brings unique qualities that place them among football’s elite performers.
How FIFA Rankings Are Calculated
FIFA uses a points-based system derived from the Elo rating method. This approach originated in chess and now powers many sports ranking systems.
The formula considers several factors:
Match Result: Wins earn more points than draws. Losses can reduce a team’s total. The margin of victory doesn’t matter, only the final outcome counts.
Match Importance: World Cup matches carry the highest weight. Continental championships and qualifiers come next. Friendly matches contribute fewer points to the overall total.
Opponent Strength: Beating a top FIFA team yields more points than defeating a lower-ranked side. This prevents teams from padding their records against weak opposition.
Expected Result: The system calculates what should happen based on ranking differences. Upsets earn bonus points while favorites gain less from expected wins.
Here’s a simplified example: If the 50th-ranked team beats the 5th-ranked team in a World Cup qualifier, the underdog gains significant points. The higher-ranked team loses a substantial amount.
FIFA updates these rankings after international windows, typically four to six times per year. The exact timing depends on the match calendar.
One criticism of the system involves inactive teams. Squads that play fewer matches have fewer chances to gain or lose points. This can create anomalies in the standings.