World governing body Fifa has announced its final rankings from this summer's World Cup.
The list gives a definite place from 1 to 48 to every team that participated in the finals in North America. Fifa used the criteria below to finalise its list:
- Total number of points from matches across all stages (matches which go to a penalty shoot-out count as draws)
- Goal difference from matches across all stages
- Number of goals scored from matches across all stages
- If two or more teams are still tied after applying the above criteria they share the same final rank
Unsurprisingly, Morocco were the highest placed among sides from the Middle East and North Africa, placed equal seventh with Switzerland on the list. Mohamed Ouahbi's team reached the last eight in style before being eliminated by France.
Next up among regional teams is Egypt. The Pharaohs were a surprise package this summer. A history-making performance saw them win a World Cup game, qualify out of the group stage and win a knockout-stage match, all for the first time.
-
Spain fans cheer after their team scores the first – and winning – goal during the 2026 World Cup final against Argentina. AFP -
A fan at the final match wears a T-shirt with imagery from a 2007 photoshoot, which shows Argentina's Lionel Messi bathing Spain's Lamine Yamal as a baby. Reuters -
An Argentina fan during the final match at the New York New Jersey Stadium. AFP -
England supporters ready to wig out, as they wait to see their side take on France in the third-place play-off. Reuters -
Argentina fans before the semi-final against England in Atlanta Stadium. AFP -
Dejected England fans after the 2-1 defeat. Reuters -
France supporters struggle to watch as their side fall to defeat against Spain, at a viewing party in Los Angeles. EPA -
Spain fans feel their side has one hand on the trophy after beating favourites France to reach the final. AFP -
Argentina fans wear oversized headwear depicting Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martinez inside the stadium before the Switzerland match. Reuters -
English former football player David Beckham gives a thumbs up during the 2026 World Cup football tournament quarter-final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens. AFP -
French fans celebrate after their team's 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. AFP -
Spanish actors Javier Bardem, centre left, and Penelope Cruz, centre right, celebrate during their team's quarter-final win over Belgium. AFP -
Egypt supporters watch their team take on defending champions Argentina in Atlanta. EPA -
Argentina fans roar their side on to victory in Atlanta. EPA -
Morocco's fans celebrate their team's last-16 victory over co-hosts Canada in Houston. AFP -
A Brazil fan watches his team take on Norway in New Jersey. AFP -
Norway supporters perform their famous Viking row celebration in New Jersey. AFP -
Egypt fans watch their national team triumph over Australia in the last 32. Reuters -
An Algeria supporter in Vancouver to watch his team take on Switzerland. AFP -
Swiss fans show their support during the match with Algeria. EPA -
A Portugal fan cheers ahead of the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between Portugal and Croatia at the Toronto Stadium in Toronto. AFP -
England players and fans celebrate after their team beat the DR Congo 2-1 to qualify for the round of 16 at the World Cup. Reuters -
Brazil fans inside Houston Stadium before the match against Japan. Gabriel Martinelli scored a last-minute winner to send the Samba boys into the last 32. Reuters -
An Iraq fan during the team's match against Senegal. AFP -
Japanese fans show their support during a 1-1 draw with Sweden, with both sides set for the last 32. Reuters
At the other end of the scale, the list does not make pretty reading for Iraq, who came 48th out of 48. Graham Arnold's side were handed a tough draw alongside France, Norway and Senegal.
Tunisia, who sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi after their opening game, came in 47th.
Debutants Jordan placed 44th, Qatar 41st and Saudi Arabia 38th. Algeria, the only other Arab nation to reach the knockouts, came in 30th.
Fifa's 2026 World Cup final rankings:
1. Spain
2. Argentina
3. England
4. France
5. Norway
6. Belgium
=7. Morocco
=7. Switzerland
9. Mexico
10. Colombia
11. Brazil
12. USA
13. Portugal
14. Canada
15. Egypt
16. Paraguay
17. Netherlands
18. Germany
19. Ivory Coast
20. Croatia
21. Japan
22. Australia
23. DR Congo
24. Ghana
=25. Ecuador
=25. South Africa
27. Sweden
28. Austria
29. Bosnia and Herzegovina
30. Algeria
31. Senegal
32. Cape Verde
33. Iran
34. South Korea
35. Turkey
36. Scotland
37. Uruguay
38. Saudi Arabia
39. Czech Republic
40. New Zealand
41. Qatar
42. Curacao
43. Panama
44. Jordan
45. Haiti
46. Uzbekistan
47. Tunisia
48. Iraq
