The Men’s FIFA World Ranking is based on the national team’s game results with the most successful teams being ranked highest. 

The rankings were introduced in December 1992, and eight teams so far, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain have held the top position, of which Brazil have spent the longest period ranked first.

The point system used for the rankings has been questioned many times mainly because of the criticism that the preceding calculation method did not effectively reflect the relative strength of the national teams.

Therefore, we tried to rank the top nations according to their international success in general, as well as the strength of their domestic championships and players.

Top 10 FIFA Rankings

10. Mexico

Mexico has never passed the World Cup quarter-final stage but has been a consistent participant since 1994. No team would like to meet the Mexicans in the elimination phase since they leave everything they have on the pitch and are very talented and quick. Their biggest successes are 7 Gold Cup titles and the FIFA Confederations Cup title in 1999.

Mexico’s current most expensive player is FC Porto’s Jesús Corona.

9. Portugal

When you mention Portugal, two names immediately come to your mind: Cristiano Ronaldo and Eusébio.

Their early exit from the EURO 2020 has dropped them from 3rd place to 8th on the official FIFA ranking. Portugal has won the European Championship in 2016 and their best result at the World Cups is the bronze medal in 1966.

Their most valued player at the moment surprisingly is Bruno Fernandes from Manchester United with a value of €90 million while Ronaldo is ranked 5th with half of Bruno’s value.

8. Germany

There have been times when Germany has dominated European and World football but their recent failures have dropped them to 16th place on the official rankings.

Still, no one can forget their 4 World Cup trophies and three from the EUROs. Bayern Munich is an absolute force in European football with 6 UEFA Champions League titles.

Germany’s current most expensive player is Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich with a value of €90 million.

7. Spain

Spain hasn’t been on top of the rankings since 2014 but recent failures to win a big tournament are expected since they have made many changes in their national team. They won three back-to-back-to-back big tournaments starting with the 2008 EURO, through the 2010 World Cup to the 2012 EURO. 

Spain’s Barcelona and Real Madrid are two of the richest sports clubs in the world.

Their most valued player at the moment is Marcos Llorente from Athletico Madrid with €80 million market value.

6. Argentina

Argentina has produced many real football artists such as Diego Maradona and Leo Messi. They have won the World Cup twice in 1978 and 1986 and Copa América 15 times, most recently this year defeating Brazil in the final.

Leo Messi who recently left Barcelona after 21 years to sign with PSG is the Argentinian with the highest market value of €80 million.

5. England

England failed to “bring it home” after they lost the EURO final at Wembley after a penalty shoot-out against Italy. Still, ‘the Three Lions’ are a real football powerhouse having the best domestic championship in the Premier League.

Their only major win is the 1996 World Cup.

England’s current most expensive player is Harry Kane with a value of €120 million.

4. Italy

‘Gli Azzurri’ are the reigning European Champions after they defeated England at Wembley this year. Even though many are not fans of Italian football, they are one of the most successful nations winning 4 World Cups and 2 European championships.

Their most valued player at the moment is Juventus’ Federico Chiesa with €70 million market value.

3. Belgium

Belgium is the current leader on the official FIFA rankings but it is hard to put them there since they have never won a major tournament. Their best results are third place at the 2018 World Cup and runners-up at the 1980 European Championship.

Belgium’s current most expensive player is Kevin De Bruyne from Manchester City with a value of €100 million.

2. France

France is the reigning World Cup champions after they beat Croatia in the 2018 final by 4-2. They also won the most prestigious football tournament in 1998 on home soil as well as the European championships in 1984 and 2000. They have also won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2001 and two years later.

Their most valued player at the moment is Kylian Mbappé from PSG with €160 million market value.

1. Brazil

Brazil is the only nation to win 5 World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002) and to participate in every single one of them. They are called the land of football with the most registered football players in the world. 

They have also won 9 Copa América with the most recent one being in 2019.

Belgium’s current most expensive player is Neymar from PSG with a value of €100 million.

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Related Links:

• FIFA Women’s World Rankings 2021