The latest FIFA men’s world rankings were released on Friday, with Spain maintaining the top spot. Germany climbed two places to No. 10 after securing consecutive wins in World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Croatia dropped to No. 11 following a draw in their match against the Czech Republic.

The top 12 seeded nations in the upcoming 48-team World Cup draw will include the three co-hosts – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – along with the nine highest-ranked direct qualifiers in the updated FIFA rankings for November. Italy, currently ranked No. 9, is likely to participate in European playoffs in March, leaving the No. 10 team to avoid other top-seeded nations in the tournament draw.

Spain leads the rankings, followed by Argentina, France, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Belgium. The World Cup draw seedings will align with the FIFA rankings through pots 2 and 3, while pot 4 will include the six lowest-ranked direct qualifiers and six placeholders awaiting winners of playoffs in March.

Additionally, four European teams will advance through playoffs, and two spots are available for non-European teams, including Bolivia and New Caledonia. The October rankings have also set the stage for an African playoff bracket to determine which team will advance to intercontinental play, featuring matchups between Nigeria vs. Gabon and Cameroon vs. Congo.

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