Spain ends 2025 atop FIFA men's world rankings, U.S. stays 14th

With the start of North America's World Cup just over six months away, Spain will head into the new year as FIFA's top ranked team, with two of the three host countries for the 2026 tournament tightly bunched together.

The United States will end the year ranked No. 14 in the poll, while Mexico sits just behind at No. 15. Canada is ranked No. 27.

Each of the three North America countries country will play host to FIFA World Cup games over the summer, with Mexico kicking off the tournament June 11 against No. 61 South Africa at Mexico City. The United States will play its opening game against No. 39 Paraguay on June 12 at Los Angeles, the same day Canada opens its run against a yet-to-be-determined team at Toronto.

Defending World Cup champions Argentina was ranked No. 2 in the final poll of 2025, while runner-up France was No. 3. England and Brazil completed the top five, while Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia rounded out the top 10 in that order. The top 10 was unchanged from the November poll.

Morocco has plenty of buzz heading into a World Cup year and will open 2026 one spot outside the top 10.

FIFA will release its next updated poll on Jan. 18.

Top 20 spots of FIFA's December poll

1. Spain

2. Argentina

3. France

4. England

5. Brazil

6. Portugal

7. Netherlands

8. Belgium

9. Germany

10. Croatia

11. Morocco

12. Italy

13. Colombia

14. USA

15. Mexico

16. Uruguay

17. Switzerland

18. Japan

19. Senegal

20. IR Iran