Italy are back in the top ten of the FIFA Rankings, thanks to wins against Estonia and Israel in our two World Cup qualifiers at the start of the month. The Azzurri have gained a position and now occupy tenth place. With over 200 matches played all across the world since the last update of the rankings, there have been many changes. The most notable one is at the top, with Spain and France leapfrogging Argentina and now taking up first and second place respectively. Having topped the list since April 2023, La Albiceleste have now slid down the rankings, while Spain top the standings for the first time in eleven years.

Portugal (5th) and Croatia (9th) both gained a position, while Brazil (6th, -1) and Germany (12th, -3) both lost ground. Germany are out of the top ten for the first time since October 2024 because of defeat to Slovakia in their first World Cup qualifier. And it was indeed Slovakia who were the most improved nation (42nd, +10) with other standout improvers including Gambia (115th, +8), Madagascar (108th, +7), Paraguay (37th, +6), Uganda (82nd, +6), Libya (112th, +5), Suriname (131st, +5) and the Faroe Islands (136th +5). The next FIFA Ranking will be released on 23 October.