"Spain and Lamine Yamal took top spot from Argentina and Lionel Messi in the FIFA men's rankings published on Thursday, and lead for the first time since being dethroned as world champions in June 2014. Spain's two-win start to a 2026 World Cup qualifying group this month -- against Turkey and Bulgaria -- lifted the European champions up from second place behind 2022 World Cup winners Argentina, who fell to third."
"The November rankings should decide seedings for the 48-team World Cup tournament draw being held on Dec. 5 in Washington, plus draws for playoffs in Europe and the intercontinental brackets. Those games are scheduled in March. The World Cup draw will have 42 confirmed entries and six placeholders for the eventual playoff winners. Those placeholders all must come from the lowest-ranked teams in seeding pot 4 and could include Italy."
"Argentina's loss in a World Cup qualifier in Ecuador also let France rise one place to No. 2. England stayed at No. 4, and Portugal climbed one place to No. 5 in a swap with Brazil, who lost their last World Cup qualifier at Bolivia. Morocco at No. 11 was the best of the African nations and Japan led Asia at No. 19. Both have already qualified for the World Cup."
Spain rose to No. 1 in the FIFA men's rankings following two World Cup qualifying wins over Turkey and Bulgaria, with Lamine Yamal leading the side. Argentina fell to third after a loss in Ecuador, allowing France to move up to No. 2. England remained fourth while Portugal climbed to fifth as Brazil dropped. Morocco led African nations at No. 11 and Japan topped Asia at No. 19, both already qualified. Mexico and the United States slipped one place as co-hosts, and Canada rose to No. 26. November rankings will determine World Cup seedings ahead of the Dec. 5 draw in Washington.
Read at ESPN.com
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