France (1st, up 2) now lead the way. Two wins in their most recent friendlies have seen Les Bleus surge back to the summit for the first time since September 2018. They have leapfrogged Spain (2nd, down 1) and World champions Argentina (3rd, down 1) in the process, with virtually nothing to choose between the three. The reigning European champions’ push to preserve the pole position they had occupied since September 2025 was hampered by a stalemate with Egypt (29th, up 2) on Tuesday, 31 March.

Other notable movers include Portugal (5^th, up 1), who have swapped places with Brazil (6^th, down 1) after taking a win and a draw from their recent friendlies and capitalising on a slip-up from the Seleção against France. The remainder of the top 10 is unchanged.

Elsewhere, Türkiye (22^nd, up 3), Côte d’Ivoire (34^th, up 3), Sweden (38^th, up 4) and Tunisia (44^th, up 3) are the biggest climbers in the top 50. Bosnia and Herzegovina (65^th, up 6) have double cause for celebration, having shot up the standings after joining fellow European play-off winners Sweden, Türkiye and Czechia (41^st, up 2) in booking their ticket for this year’s FIFA World Cup.

Vietnam (99th, up 9), Nepal (176th, up 6)and Bhutan (186th, up 6), join the Dragons in climbing more than five places, although all four remain far outside the top 50. Eritrea (184th) provide another standout story, returning to the ranking for the first time in almost three years.

With the curtain now having been drawn on qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026, it is noteworthy that only three of the top 30-ranked teams will be sitting out the spectacle on the global stage: Italy (12^th, up 1), Denmark (20^th, up 1) and Nigeria (26^th, unchanged). No fewer than 37 of the 48 teams set to strut their stuff at the showpiece feature among the top 50.

For their part, Kosovo (78^th, up 1), who missed out on World Cup qualification at the hands of Türkiye in one of the European play-off finals, have reached their highest-ever position in the men’s pecking order.

The full ranking can be found on Inside FIFA. 

Fans and media can also follow provisional FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings rankings in real-time during future international windows. For more information, please click here.

The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking will be published on 10 June 2026.

Leaders France (up 2)
Moves into top 10 None
Moves out of top 10 None
Matches played in total 166
Most matches played Mexico (five matches)
Biggest move by points Vietnam (up 36.17 points)
Biggest move by ranks Vietnam (up 9 ranks)
Biggest drop by points Malaysia (down 59.67 points)
Biggest drop by ranks Malaysia (down 17 ranks)
Newly ranked teams None
Teams that are no longer ranked None
Inactive teams, not ranked None

Credit: FIFA

The agreement, signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Gaza Executive Board of Peace member Yakir Gabay, High Representative for Gaza H.E. Nickolay Mladenov, and Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza Dr Ali Shaath, establishes a long-term framework to build a complete football ecosystem, delivering world-class infrastructure, structured community programmes and sustainable economic opportunity to Gaza, Palestine.

The BoP, unveiled by US President Trump at the World Economic Forum in January 2026, brings together international leaders and institutions committed to advancing reconstruction and stability in fragile regions. Initially focused on Gaza, the BoP coordinates humanitarian assistance, rebuilding efforts and long-term stabilisation.

“Today, FIFA and the Board of Peace have signed a landmark partnership agreement that will foster investment into football for the purpose of helping the recovery process in post conflict areas,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the signature ceremony which was held at the Donald J. Trump US Institute of Peace Headquarters.

“FIFA wants as many people as possible around the world to participate in our game and benefit from the opportunities it creates. Football brings people together and contributes to a more prosperous, educated, equal and peaceful world. Together with the support of the Board of Peace, FIFA will drive this partnership which is built to deliver impact at every stage.”

The first phase of the collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive recovery programme for Gaza, combining physical reconstruction with social and economic activation. The infrastructure plan includes 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches located near schools and residential areas, five full-size pitches across multiple districts, a state-of-the-art FIFA Academy and a new 20,000-seat national stadium.

Alongside construction, the programme prioritises job creation, workforce upskilling, youth participation, organised leagues for girls and boys, community engagement and the stimulation of local commercial activity. The implementation framework has four phases:

Phase I – Community activation (3-6 months)

The installation of 50 FIFA Arena mini-pitches to create safe, accessible play spaces. The roll-out will include the FIFA Football for Schools programme, the distribution of equipment and structured grassroots activities.

Phase II – Professional infrastructure (12 months)

The development of five full-size pitches, enabling the establishment of organised local clubs and strengthening structured football pathways.

Phase III – FIFA Academy (18-36 months)

The creation of a centre of excellence integrating elite sport, education and accommodation. The academy will support talent identification, professional pathways and skilled employment opportunities.

Phase IV – National stadium (18-36 months)

The construction of a 20,000-seat national stadium capable of hosting sporting and cultural events, reinforcing national identity, generating commercial revenues and serving as a long-term anchor for community cohesion.

Implementation will proceed in line with ongoing monitoring of safety and security conditions. Once circumstances allow, the activation of Phase I will begin, supported by structured stakeholder engagement and milestone-based progress reporting. Central to Phase I is the FIFA Arena initiative, part of FIFA’s commitment to install at least 1,000 mini-pitches globally by 2030. Already active in a growing number of countries, the initiative provides durable playing spaces in communities with limited access to sport, equipped and activated from day one. As of November 2025, 59 FIFA Member Associations had joined the programme.

The collaboration builds on FIFA’s broader commitment to peacebuilding. At the Summit for Peace in Sharm El-Sheikh on 13 October 2025, FIFA reaffirmed its readiness to contribute to international peace efforts wherever possible.

Credit: FIFA 

The approved list features a total of 23 officials, comprising 10 Centre Referees, 10 Assistant Referees, one Futsal Referee, one Beach Soccer Referee and one Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Leading the contingent is experienced official Daniel Laryea, who earns recognition both as a Centre Referee and a Video Assistant Referee. The list also includes new assistant referee Richard Kwaku and Portia Oppong, who makes the cut for Beach Soccer officiating.

In line with FIFA regulations, Member Associations are required to submit annual nominations for new referees or seek renewal for existing officials on the FIFA list. The process is overseen by the Referees Committee of the Ghana Football Association, which ensures all nominees satisfy FIFA’s strict eligibility standards, including passing FIFA-approved fitness and medical examinations.

Following internal assessments, the nominations are forwarded to FIFA for final validation, with the world governing body reserving the right to reject any nominee who fails to meet its criteria.

Officials approved by FIFA are entitled to wear the FIFA badge from January 2026 to December 2026, with continued inclusion in subsequent years dependent on performance. The badge itself remains the exclusive property of FIFA throughout the calendar year.

Credit: Ghana FA

Approximately 1,000 volunteers will support in 24 roles during the 24-team showpiece event, which will take place across four Host Cities: Santiago, Valparaíso, Rancagua and Talca.

FIFA is looking for passionate and enthusiastic volunteers to help make this year’s edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup an unforgettable experience. Volunteers play a key role at FIFA tournaments and events, not only in terms of their specific functions, but also in their role as ambassadors for the country that they represent. Volunteers, who are at the heart of the action, are a prime example of how football unites the world.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age before 1 June, have a good command of English (knowledge of additional languages is a bonus) and be available for the duration of the tournament (from 27 September to 19

October), including pre-event training sessions. In addition, applicants must be passionate about teamwork and have a friendly and proactive attitude.

Certain roles may have specific requirements in terms of skills or experience, details of which will be shared during the interview process. Anyone interested in volunteering is advised to act fast, as applications will close once a sufficient number have been received.

The competition slogan, Legends in the Making, underscores how the event will showcase the talents of world football’s brightest prospects. Do you want to be a part of that?

The registration link is volunteer.fifa.com .

Credit: FIFA

Just as they did in 2023, Argentina (1st) sign off for the year in top spot, with France (2nd) and Spain (3rd) joining them on the podium. As for those in the chasing pack, England (4th), Brazil (5th), Portugal (6th), the Netherlands (7th), Belgium (8th), Italy (9th) and Germany (10th) all retain their places in the upper echelons of the ranking. Indeed, that lack of movement is mirrored throughout the top 100, where there is not even the slightest bit of jostling for position.

The prize for the biggest climbers in the latest instalment of the ranking goes to Vietnam (114th, up 2),. Elsewhere, Hong Kong, China (155th, up 1) have amassed the most points (4.18) in climbing up one place.

However, the pair aren’t the only sides to close out the year on a high, with another 10 of the 211 ranked teams also making some limited headway, rising one place to their present position: The Gambia (125th), India (126th), Solomon Islands (147th), Lesotho (149th), Singapore (160th), Cuba (163rd), St Lucia (167th), Malta (168th), American Samoa (187th) and Gibraltar (196th).

Having contested more matches than anyone else in the ranking in 2024, Angola – who lined up no fewer than 21 times – have registered the biggest climb over the past 12 months, progressing a jaw-dropping 32 places to their current perch of 85th. The Palancas Negras, who have clearly taken inspiration from the sprightly antelopes to whom they owe their nickname, are pursued most closely by Jordan (64th, up 23) and Fiji (148th, up 20) by this measure.

Click  HERE  to view the complete ranking.

The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking will be published on 3 April 2025.

Leaders Argentina (unchanged)
Moves into top 10 None
Moves out of top 10 None
Matches played in total 21
Most matches played Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste (3 matches each)
Biggest move by points Hong Kong, China (up 4.18 points)
Biggest move by ranks Vietnam (up 2 ranks)
Biggest drop by points Myanmar (down 4.80 points)
Biggest drop by ranks Indonesia, Myanmar (down 2 ranks)
Newly ranked teams None
Teams that are no longer ranked None
Inactive teams, not ranked Eritrea

Credit: FIFA

The two tournaments will provide the perfect platform for Lenovo to further grow its global brand among fans of the world’s most popular sport and, more importantly, deliver integrated and innovative technologies that will make football more accessible and more engaging for all, growing the game around the world.

Lenovo’s products, services and solutions, including its emerging suite of innovations that both leverage and power AI (Artificial Intelligence), iconic ThinkPad laptops, tablets, Motorola mobile phones, and servers, will be integrated into the 2026 and 2027 tournaments. The technology will power improved fan experiences in stadiums and global broadcasts, power enhanced analytics, and democratise data across all global football-playing nations.

Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang commented: “As one of the world’s leading technology companies, we’re delighted to partner with the world’s most global and popular sport. Lenovo will be powering the largest sporting and entertainment events in human history – events with more viewers, more nations participating, and an unprecedented global demand for data processing and technology.

“Lenovo is proud to support FIFA’s vision of leveraging technology to elevate the game, enhance the fan experience worldwide, and foster innovation that levels the playing field. We’re excited that our cutting-edge technology and AI innovation will take centre stage in the upcoming tournaments, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of smarter technology.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino added: “At FIFA, we are committed to growing the game globally and making football accessible for all – and we are excited to welcome Lenovo to our journey, and to work with them to implement technologies, innovations and

programmes that spread our sport. Data and technology combined helps us to know fans better, and we will use it to create unparalleled and unforgettable fan experiences at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

“In Lenovo, we have a partner who will support us as we evolve and innovate, investing in digital technology and artificial intelligence for future generations.”

The landmark partnership marks the first deal between Lenovo and FIFA and builds on Lenovo’s heritage in powering the technology that has and continues to underpin many flagship global sporting properties.

Credit: FIFA

The Cameroonian spent 29 years at the head of the continental governing body, assuming the presidency in 1988 and leaving office in 2017.

He also held high positions within world governing body, FIFA.

Hayatou was a member of the Switzerland-based organisation’s executive committee, now known as the FIFA Council, from 1990 to 2017.

He had a brief spell as acting president of FIFA between 2015 and 2016 after Sepp Blatter was suspended.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Hayatou, who in his youth was a track athlete and basketball player, in a post on Instagram.

“Saddened to hear of the passing of former CAF President, former FIFA President ad interim, FIFA Vice-President and FIFA Council member, Issa Hayatou,” Infantino wrote.

“A passionate sports fan, he dedicated his life to sports administration.

“On behalf of FIFA, condolences go to his family, friends, former colleagues and all who knew him. Rest in peace.”

In August 2021, Hayatou was handed a one-year ban by FIFA for breaching its code of ethics when signing African football’s largest ever deal with French media company, Lagardere in 2016.

The sanction was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in February the following year.

Credit: BBC Sport

No fewer than 187 national team bouts have been contested since then, and the throng of changes in the latest standings therefore come as no surprise.

The top three, however, remain unshakeable. Argentina (1st) retain their place at the summit, with France (2nd) and Belgium (3rd) hot on their heels.

But there is movement behind them, as Brazil (4th, up 1) and England (5th, down 1) swap places.

Meanwhile, Portugal (6th), the Netherlands (7th) and Spain (8th) consolidate their spots in the top ten, whilst Croatia (9th, up 1) overtake Italy (10th, down 1), who nonetheless hold onto a place among the leading pack.

And 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) eclipse them all, hurtling themselves up nine places.

It is a similar story in the second half of the ranking, with Mozambique (103rd, up 7), Madagascar (104th, up 5), Korea DPR (110th, up 8), Sudan (121st, up 6), Nicaragua (130th, up 5) and Gibraltar (198th, up 5) all seeing positive performances rewarded. But it is Liberia (142nd, up 10) who have gained the most ground over the period, with the Lone Stars still unbeaten in 2024.

Matches played in the continental competitions recently under way in Europe and Oceania are not included in the calculations for June’s edition of the standings.

Click  HERE  to view the complete ranking 

The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking will be published on 18 July 2024.

Leaders Argentina (unchanged)
Moves into top 10 None
Moves out of top 10 None
Matches played in total 187
Most matches played Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines (4 matches)
Biggest move by points Liberia (up 37.47 points)
Biggest move by ranks Liberia (up 10 ranks)
Biggest drop by points Equatorial Guinea (down 47.53 points)
Biggest drop by ranks Equatorial Guinea (down 10 ranks)
Newly ranked teams None
Teams that are no longer ranked None
Inactive teams, not ranked Eritrea

Credit: FIFA

The winners of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 are:

• The Best FIFA Women’s Player : Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / FC Barcelona)
• The Best FIFA Men’s Player : Lionel Messi (Argentina / Paris Saint-Germain / Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami)
• The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper : Mary Earps (England / Manchester United)
• The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper : Ederson (Brazil / Manchester City FC)
• The Best FIFA Women’s Coach : Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands / England Women’s National Team)
• The Best FIFA Men’s Coach : Pep Guardiola (Spain / Manchester City FC)
• The FIFA Puskás Award : Guilherme Madruga (Brazil / Botafogo Futebol Clube)
• The FIFA Special Award: Marta
• The FIFA Fair Play Award : Brazil men’s national team
• The FIFA Fan Award : Hugo Daniel “Toto” Iniguez

Lionel Messi has been crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2023, retaining the title he won in 2022. Messi topped an incredibly closely contested poll, which was voted for by national team coaches and captains, as well as expert journalists and supporters across the globe.

With the FIFA World Cup 2022 winner and Manchester City FC and Norway international forward Erling Haaland locked together on 48 points, they were separated by the number of first-choice nominations received in votes from national team captains, as per the Rules of Allocation (article 12). France striker Kylian Mbappe finished third with 35 points.

Aitana Bonmatí has been named The Best FIFA Women’s Player for the first time. The coveted award is richly deserved for this magnificent midfielder, who in 2023 inspired Spain to their maiden world title, and Barcelona to a domestic and European treble.

In topping the poll, which followed the same protocol as the men’s award but with women’s national team coaches and captains voting, Bonmatí succeeded her team-mate, 2022 winner Alexia Putellas, fending off competition from fellow finalists Linda Caicedo and Jennifer Hermoso.

Mary Earps has been voted The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper for a second successive year, becoming the first two-time winner in the award’s history.

Earps dazzled once again as the Lionesses won the Finalissima, and reached their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup final. Outstanding saves and shootout heroics paved the way to both of those achievements, with Earps’ displays at the latter tournament rewarded with the adidas Golden Glove award. She was also named the best ‘keeper in England’s WSL, having racked up a remarkable 14 clean sheets from just 22 Manchester United appearances last season.

Ederson has been named as The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper of 2023. The Brazilian shot-stopper was awarded the honour following a stellar year in which the 30-year-old backstopped Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign.

Ederson topped the poll with 23 points, ahead of fellow finalists Thibaut Courtois (20 points) and Yassine Bounou (16 points).

Sarina Wiegman has been named The Best FIFA Women’s Coach for 2023. The England boss enjoyed a record-breaking year in which she led the Lionesses to the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the Arnold Clark Cup and Women’s Finalissima titles.

Wiegman beat Emma Hayes and Jonatan Giraldez to the honour at The Best FIFA Football Awards on Monday with 28 points, ahead of Hayes’ 18 points, and Giraldez’s return of 14 points.

Pep Guardiola has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2023 after overseeing an incredible period of success at Manchester City. The Spaniard led the club to a historic Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup treble in 2022/23.

Guardiola’s all-conquering team won a further two trophies in 2023, lifting the UEFA Super Cup before rounding off the calendar year in perfect style by triumphing at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Guardiola came out on top in the voting with 28 points, ahead of Italian duo Luciano Spalletti (18 points) and Simone Inzaghi (11 points).

The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony also recognised the standout goal of the year as Brazilian midfielder Guilherme Madruga won the FIFA Puskás Award 2023 for his astonishing overhead kick.

The Botafogo-SP star’s acrobatic effort came out on top ahead of an audacious rabona from Sporting’s Nuno Santos, and Brighton teenager Julio Enciso’s long-range thunderbolt.

The accolade recognises the most spectacular goal in men’s and women’s football across the qualification period, which was between 19 December 2022 and 20 August 2023, and is named in honour of legendary Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskás.

Marta was honoured with The FIFA Special Award in recognition of her illustrious career. She scored a staggering 115 goals in 175 appearances for Brazil and inspired millions, passing on her passion for football in a career that saw her reign supreme in Brazil, Sweden and the USA.

As of 2025, FIFA will introduce a new award to honour her legendary achievements – the best goal scored in women’s football will receive the ‘Marta Award’.

Hugo Daniel “Toto” Iniguez was awarded The FIFA Fan Award for 2023, after the dedicated Colon de Santa Fe fan went viral after he was seen feeding his son during an Argentine Primera Division game against Barracas Central in May 2023.

The heart-warming scene displayed the father’s desire to build a relationship between his two-month-old son and his favourite club from the earliest possible age, with the moment now cemented in history.

The Brazil men’s national team were recognised with the FIFA Fair Play award for their powerful stand against racism. In a friendly against Guinea in June 2023, The Seleção swapped their traditional yellow jerseys for an all-black kit in a show of solidarity with star forward Vinicius Junior, who had been subjected to sickening racist abuse while in action for Real Madrid.

The Best FIFA Football awards 2023 ceremony concluded a thorough and democratic process facilitated by FIFA to recognise world football’s top players, coaches, goalkeepers, fans, goals, and acts of fair play.

To learn more about the award periods, how the shortlists were drawn up, who featured on the expert panels, who was eligible to vote, and how the votes were calculated, click here.

Credit: FIFA

Qualifiers for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 and UEFA Women’s Nations League games were on the agenda for European teams. Nations in the AFC, CAF and Concacaf zones, meanwhile, were involved in qualifying matches for their respective continental tournaments, with OFC representatives – with the exception of Aotearoa New Zealand – competing at the Pacific Games.

This plethora of events inevitably had an impact on December’s FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, the last of 2023.

Consequently, reigning world champions Spain (1st) claimed top spot for the first time. They are the fourth team in football history to reach the coveted position, after the USA (2nd, up 1), Germany and Sweden. France (3rd, up 2) make up the podium.

England (4th, -) remain just below those three highflyers, ahead of previous leaders Sweden (5th, down 4). Germany (6th), the Netherlands (7th), Japan (8th), Korea DPR (9th) and Canada (10th) complete the top ten, which no longer features Brazil (11th, down 2).

As for the remainder of the top 50, Italy (14th, up 3), Philippines (38th, up 6) and Uzbekistan (47th, up 3) made noteworthy advances. The biggest moves came further down the standings, however, where Congo DR (102nd, up 9), El Salvador (104th, up 11) and Namibia (126th, up 14) all made considerable progress.

In addition to La Roja, Philippines, Haiti (51st), Cambodia (116th) and Cabo Verde (131st) attained their highest-ever placings.

Six nations either appear for the first time (Central African Republic and Macau) or reappear (Korea DPR, American Samoa, Madagascar and Bahamas) in the World Ranking, which brings the number of teams listed to 192 – a new record! And with six other national sides just one match away from joining, it could grow even further in March.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published in March 2024.

Click  HERE  to view the complete ranking.

Leaders Spain
Moves into top 10 Korea DPR (9th)
Moves out of top 10 Brazil (11th)
Matches played in total 419
Most matches played Botswana, China PR, Chinese Taipei, Korea DPR, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia (9 matches)
Biggest move by points Tanzania (up 68.24 points)
Biggest move by ranks Namibia (up 14 ranks)
Biggest drop by points Sweden (down 71.08 points)
Biggest drop by ranks Cayman Islands (down 14 ranks)
Newly ranked teams 6 (Korea DPR, Central African Republic, American Samoa, Macau, Madagascar, Bahamas)
Teams that are no longer ranked None

Credit: FIFA