Argentina consolidate world ranking top spot

June 20 – Argentina have increased their grip the top of the ranking, extending their lead over second-placed France to 23 points.

The latest rankings do not include matches from Euro 2024 and Oceania are not included in the calculations for June’s edition of the standings.

Belgium complete the podium despite their ageing squad, which was exposed by Slovakia during a shock defeat on the opening Euro 2024 fixture. This result will do damage to their placement in the next ranking, which is due on July 18.

Brazil have jumped to fourth position ahead of the Copa America kick off. With Argentina are the only Conmebol sides to feature in the top ten.

England slipped to fifth in the rankings and face Denmark (ranked 21st) tonight in a bid to secure a place in the next round with six points, after a less-than-convincing opening victory over Serbia.

Portugal, Netherlands and Spain remain in sixth, seventh and eighth respectively as all three teams opened their Euro 2024 accounts with a win on matchday one.

The names amongst the top ten remain unchanged, but its order has been reshuffled. Croatia have overtaken Italy in ninth after a strong buildup to the tournament. Since then, Modric and co have endured a shaky opening to the European Championships, picking up just one point from two games versus Spain and Albania.

They will meet the Italians in Leipzig on Monday in a bout that could not only impact the rankings, but potentially send Croatia home early.

Further down the table, Germany remain in 16th despite a strong showing in the buildup to the tournament. Since the ranking window closed, the Germans have been impressive on home soil and look like one of the strongest teams at the tournament.

There are changes aplenty elsewhere in the top 100. Surges by Ghana (64th, up 4), Honduras (78th, up 4), Haiti (86th, up 4), Curaçao (87th, up 4) and Benin (91st, up 6) are among the most eye-catching, but Namibia (97th, up 9) eclipses them all.

But it is Liberia (142nd, up 10) who have gained the most ground over the period, with the Lone Stars still unbeaten in 2024.

Japan remain the top ranked team from AFC nations, jumping up one place to 17th and marking their best ranking in 14 years in the process.

Morocco (12th) stay just outside the top ten but still the CAF top-ranked side, just pipped by CONCACAF frontrunners USA in 11th.

To see the full ranking click here.

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1729226575labto1729226575ofdlr1729226575owedi1729226575sni@g1729226575niwe.1729226575yrrah1729226575