Top 10 highest rated nations in FIFA World Rankings as of June 2023

FIFA's world rankings are used to estimate the progression of different nations

The Federation Internationale de Football Association, famously known as FIFA is the international governing body of football. They oversee and manage some of the world's biggest tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and many more.

FIFA's world rankings are used to estimate the progression of different nations. It is also essential for seeding the qualifications of the prestigious FIFA World Cup. The rankings are devised on a complex mathematical system. Friendlies hold the least weightage and teams which secure most points or "FIFA points" will have higher rankings.

FIFA has 211 nations in its organisation. Today we will take a look at the top 10 nations in FIFA World Rankings.

10. Spain (1703 points)

Luis Enrique's men had quite a run in the 2021 edition of the UEFA Nations League. They made it to the finals but unfortunately lost against France. Now, the Spaniards have made a comeback in the 2023 UEFA Nations League. They won the tournament beating Croatia on penalties.

Spain did quite well in the FIFA World Cup 2022 as well but unfortunately lost against Japan on penalties. Considering their progress and performance in matches over the last few years , their ranking is apt.

9. Portugal (1718 points)

Fernando Santos's men have held their ranking on FIFA's spot despite being inconsistent. Portugal have faced quite some challenges over the last few years. This includes the fact that they had to play in a World Cup qualifier play-off match to secure their position. Moreover after that Cristiano Ronaldo and his team did quite well in the group stage securing the first position.

Portugal even thrashed Switzerland 6-1 in the Round of 16 but lost unexpectedly against underdogs Morocco in the World Cup. Despite not making it to the final four of the 2023 UEFA Nations League, Portugal are still 9th placed.

8. Italy (1727 points)

The Azzuri shocked the world on two different occasions. At first the Italian footballers displayed their elegance in the Euros 2022. Moreover Italy's performance throughout the tournament and especially coming back from one goal down in the final was phenomenal. After winning the Euros on penalties, Italy were expected to pass through the World Cup qualifiers quite easily.

Unfortunately, that was not the case as Italy failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022 itself. Just like Portugal, Italy found themselves in a World Cup qualifier match. They were possibly going to face Portugal in the finals of the Qualifying match. However, a last minute strike from North Macedonia shocked everyone as the Euros winners failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Summating up their performances, a rise or a demotion in ranking is appropriate as they are now in 8th place.

7. Netherlands (1731 points)

The Dutch players are emerging as quite a force and are contenders for various tournaments. However, because of a lack of silverware and inconsistent performances in big games, they are set to lose further ranking points.

Their best FIFA ranking ever was back in 2010 and 2011 when they managed to reach second place. This was when they reached the finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Despite losing the finals against Spain in extra time, their performances back then were very consistent.

6. Croatia (1743 points)

The underdogs of almost every tournament. Many underestimate Croatia and yet they outdo themselves and put in excellent performances. The Croatians recorded their best ever performance in the FIFA World Cup 2018 when they finished second place. Moreover, they were strong contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2022 as they lost only to eventual champions Argentina in the semi-finals. Croatia even knocked out Japan and Brazil on their way to the semi-finals.

The Croatians managed to reach the finals of the UEFA Nations League 2022 as well. They defeated Netherlands in a tough bout between the two to reach the finals. Unfortunately, they lost to Spain on penalties.

5. Belgium (1789 points)

One of the most controversial rankings over the years. However, it's not controversial rather it is a ranking based on a collection of factual data. FIFA's rankings are based on the total FIFA points which each Nation garners after their performances.

Belgium's 3rd place finish in the FIFA World Cup 2018 and unbeaten run in the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2022 gave them good points. Belgium were even ranked number one in the world between 2018 and March 2022. They started losing points especially after the FIFA World Cup 2022. Belgium put in a disappointing performance and showed no glimpse of their previous 2018 World Cup team. As a result they lost a lot of points and are now fifth ranked.

4. England (1797 points)

Arguably the best squad on paper. Gareth Southgate has the likes of Mason Mount, Bukayo Saka, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and many more players. Despite having such amazing squad depth and arguably their best squad ever, England has failed to win silverware since quite sometime.

The Three Lions last won the FIFA World Cup in 1966 and have never won the Euros in their history. Southgate's men qualified consecutively for two semifinals in the FIFA World Cup, one in 2018 and one in 2022. England lost to Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and France in the 2022 edition. During this timespan they lost the Euros as well to Italy in the finals.

3. Brazil (1828 points)

Another nation which has failed to reach their prime in the recent past. The Brazilians are the best footballing nation having won the most FIFA World Cups. They have had the likes of Pele, Romario, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho and many more. However, after the decline of their old generation, Neymar Jr has performed consistently for Brazil.

Brazil have failed to win the FIFA World Cup since 2002. Neymar Jr pulled off a clutch performance and scored a brilliant goal for Brazil in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Despite this, Brazil conceded a goal in just a minute and eventually lost the quarter-finals on penalties against Croatia. This is just a recent example of how Brazil does not have quite a balanced squad like they used to.

2. France (1844 points)

Les Bleus are quite an exemplary squad. France won the FIFA World Cup 2018 in an extravagant manner beating Argentina as well enroute to the finals. They even thrashed Croatia in the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018. After that France secured more FIFA points as they eventually won the UEFA Nations League 2021. France only lost the number one spot after losing the FIFA World Cup 2022 to Argentina.

The difference between France and Argentina in FIFA rankings is not that huge. This is also because of France's performance in the FIFA World Cup 2022 enroute to the finals and especially in the finals.

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1. Argentina (1844 points)

Lionel Messi failed to achieve with Argentina and even retired from international football in 2016 after losing the Copa America finals. He returned back to the team but eventually started to lose hope again after a disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup 2018.

Argentina then finally won the Copa America 2022 with Lionel Messi in a much heated battle against Brazil in the finals. Scaloni's men lost their first match of the FIFA World Cup 2022 against Saudi Arabia. This marked the end of a long unbeaten run however they put in relentless performances after losing to Saudi Arabia. Argentina beat Netherlands and Croatia enroute to the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. Emi Martinez was one of many key players who put in crucial performances throughout the tournament and especially in the finals.

After many endeavours, Argentina are the champions of the World and also ranked first in the world.