The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially entered its final stretch. FIFA has released the first World Rankings of 2026, and while the very top of the table remains a fortress, the landscape below is shifting dramatically following the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, holds steady at second place, keeping the pressure on top-ranked Spain, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal maintains its position in the elite bracket, sitting sixth by the narrowest of margins.
Argentina and Messi: The World Cup 2026 Focus
For the defending world champions, the latest rankings are a validation of consistency. Argentina remains firmly in the #2 spot with 1,873.33 points, just behind Spain (1,877.18). Lionel Scaloni’s side has navigated the grueling South American qualifiers with their trademark resilience, ensuring they enter the World Cup year as one of the undeniable favorites.
With Lionel Messi now 38 and managing his workload, the national team’s strategy has evolved. Reports confirm that the Albiceleste will use the upcoming March international window to fine-tune their squad in Qatar—a symbolic return to the site of their 2022 triumph—with friendlies scheduled against Qatar and a highly anticipated "Finalissima" showdown against Spain. For Messi, these matches are critical preparation for what would be a record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance.
Ronaldo’s Portugal: A precarious Sixth Place
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal find themselves in a fascinating position. Ranked 6th with 1,760.38 points, they trail 5th-placed Brazil by a razor-thin margin of just 0.08 points. This statistic underscores how competitive the upper echelons of international football have become. Despite rumors of retirement, Ronaldo has confirmed his intention to lead the Seleção one last time in North America.
Head coach Roberto Martínez has been vocal about the team's evolution, noting that while Ronaldo remains captain, the squad's depth allows for tactical flexibility. "Cristiano is part of our plans, but no player is undroppable," Martínez stated earlier this week, signaling that Portugal’s 2026 World Cup preparations will prioritize collective balance over individual accolades. The team is unbeaten in their last five qualifiers, suggesting they are peaking at the right time.
AFCON 2025 Shakes Up the Global Order
The biggest movers in the January 2026 update come courtesy of African football. The recently concluded AFCON 2025 in Morocco has rewritten the history books for the continent's heavyweights.
Morocco’s Historic Leap
Despite a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in the final on home soil, Morocco has achieved a historic milestone. The Atlas Lions have jumped three spots to #8 in the world rankings, becoming the first African nation to break into the top 10 since 1998. Their defensive solidity throughout the tournament—conceding only the final goal in extra time—has solidified their reputation as a global powerhouse, not just a continental one.
Senegal Returns to Glory
The headlines, however, belong to the AFCON 2025 winner Senegal. Their dramatic victory in Rabat, sealed by Pape Gueye’s 93rd-minute extra-time strike, has catapulted the Lions of Teranga seven places up the ladder to #12. This resurgence serves as a warning to global rivals: Senegal is back to their best form just six months before the World Cup kicks off.
Countdown to Kickoff in North America
With the rankings now set, the narrative for the summer is clear. The expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup will test squad depth like never before. Traditional giants like France (#3) and England (#4) remain comfortable, but the surge of teams like Morocco suggests the gap is closing.
As preparations intensify, all eyes turn to the March friendlies. For Argentina and Portugal, it is a chance to solidify their status; for the rising African stars, it is an opportunity to prove their new rankings are no fluke. The World Cup year has officially begun, and the stakes have never been higher.
