Spain continues to lead the FIFA men’s world rankings, as Germany has successfully climbed back to the 10th position after securing consecutive wins in World Cup qualifying matches against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland. This rise comes after Germany’s earlier loss to Slovakia in their first qualifier.

Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runner-up and semifinalist in 2022, has slipped down to No. 11 following a recent draw with the Czech Republic.

The top 12 seeded teams for the upcoming World Cup draw will include the three co-hosts—United States, Canada, and Mexico—along with the nine highest-ranked qualifiers based on the latest FIFA rankings for November.

Currently, Italy, ranked No. 9, is on track for European playoffs in March, likely facing other top-seeded teams in the June 11-July 19 tournament.

Following Spain, the top teams include World Cup titleholder Argentina at No. 2, followed by France, England, Portugal, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Belgium in eighth.

Overall, the rankings set the stage for various playoff brackets, including one based in Africa next month, which will determine which team gets to participate in intercontinental matches. Matches include Nigeria vs. Gabon and Cameroon vs. Congo.