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SportsArgentina reclaims top FIFA ranking spot after 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England
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Argentina's 2-1 victory over England in the 2026 World Cup semi-final on Wednesday allowed Lionel Messi's team to surpass France and reclaim the top spot in the FIFA rankings. Argentina gained 26.9 points, reaching 1,970.37 points, while France dropped to third place with 1,948.97 points after losing to Spain in the other semi-final. Spain, who defeated France 2-0, rose to second place with 1,965.61 points. Argentina will now face second-placed Spain in the World Cup final on Sunday, while France and England will play for third place on Saturday. The article notes that for the first time since the FIFA ranking system was established in 1994, the top four ranked nations were the four semi-finalists of the tournament.
Source report
Argentina's victory over England on Wednesday in the 2026 World Cup semi-final allowed them to overtake France and reclaim the top spot in the FIFA rankings. A good omen before facing second-placed Spain in the final on Sunday?
A double blow for the Albiceleste. By beating England 2-1 on Wednesday in the 2026 World Cup semi-final, Argentina not only secured a place in the final, but also a significant leap forward in the FIFA rankings.
To challenge Spain in the final on Sunday (9 PM), the Argentinians will arrive with the status of the number 1 nation. Lionel Messi's team gained 26.9 points thanks to their stunning victory, bringing their total to 1,970.37 points and overtaking France to become the world's top team.
Les Bleus on the Last Step of the Podium
La Roja's victory over Les Bleus on Tuesday (0-2) allowed Luis de la Fuente's team to gain an additional 30.82 points. Enough to also overtake France and rise to second place in the FIFA rankings with a total of 1,965.61 points.
Relive Argentina's stunning qualification at the expense of England
With 1,948.97 points, Les Tricolores simultaneously slip from first to third place, while Thomas Tuchel's England, whom they will face on Saturday (11 PM) in the World Cup third-place match, remained fourth with 1,889.42 points.
On the Same Topic
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- 2026 World Cup: The incredible photo of Lionel Messi giving Lamine Yamal a bath resurfaces before Spain-Argentina ahead of their first confrontation
- Spain-Argentina: "I will get his face tattooed", Cucurella is just one match away from having to honor a huge promise
The four semi-finalists of the tournament were also the top four in the FIFA rankings, a first since the establishment of this hierarchy in 1994. According to the BBC, this situation was favored by FIFA itself, as the four nations were placed in the four corners of the World Cup bracket in case of finishing first in their group.
Romain Daveau
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FIFA World Rankings Shifts During 2026 World Cup