December 20 – A record-breaking 1,181 international fixtures were played in 2024, yet with just 21 matches since November, the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking has seen little change heading into the new year.
Argentina remains firmly in first place, closing out the year as the top-ranked team despite a recent uncharacteristic shakiness with losses to Colombia and Paraguay.
They are followed by France and Spain in second and third, respectively – the Spaniards unlucky not to leapfrog France after a superb year which saw them claim the European Championships for the third time.
England (4th), Brazil (5th), Portugal (6th), the Netherlands (7th), Belgium (8th), Italy (9th), and Germany (10th) round out the top ten, all holding steady in their positions. The lack of action over the past two months has left the rankings almost entirely unchanged throughout the top 100.
Despite the static December standings, there are a few notable movers further down the rankings. Vietnam climbed two spots to 114th, while Hong Kong gained the most points since the last update, rising one place to 155th with a 4.18-point boost.
Angola, however, has been the standout performer of the year. Playing more matches than any other nation in 2024 (21 in total), the Palancas Negras have soared an incredible 32 places to finish 85th. Jordan (64th, up 23) and Fiji (148th, up 20) have also enjoyed notable upward momentum over the last 12 months.
To see the full ranking click here.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734706887labto1734706887ofdlr1734706887owedi1734706887sni@g1734706887niwe.1734706887yrrah1734706887
