The United States, Mexico and Canada – the three 2026 World Cup hosts – had mixed fortunes in the latest FIFA men’s world rankings, the first update since July. The USMNT slipped one spot to 16th following a loss to South Korea and a win over Japan. Mexico dropped to 14th, while Canada climbed to 26th after back-to-back victories.
Getty Images SportMarsch's impact continues
Canada’s climb to No. 26 – their highest spot in the FIFA rankings – reflects the immediate impact of Jesse Marsch since his appointment ac coach in May 2024. The Canadian men’s program has never experienced a surge like this, rising 23 places in just more than a year. Their all-time low was No. 122 in 2014.
Marsch’s system has delivered against European opposition, with recent wins over Romania and Wales signaling that Canada can compete beyond CONCACAF. If this momentum holds, Canada could enter the 2026 World Cup as the region’s dark horse – a position unthinkable just a decade ago.
Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesExplaining the declines
Mexico failed to secure a win in either of its September friendlies, drawing against Japan and South Korea. Still, remain the highest-ranked team in North America at 14th, though their inconsistency under Javier Aguirre underscores the challenges ahead.
The USMNT have friendlies scheduled in October against Ecuador (24th) and Australia (25th) and then matches in November against Paraguay (37th) and Uraguay (15th).
AFPThe full FIFA rankings
Spain reclaiming top spot for the first time since 2014 signals their resurgence after winning EURO 2024, while Argentina’s fall to third highlights just how thin the margins are at the very top.
Here are the top 20 FIFA men's teams, according to their rankings:
Spain1France2Argentina3England4Portugal5Brazil6Netherlands7Belgium8Croatia9Italy10Morocco11Germany12Colombia13Mexico14Uruguay15USA16Switzerland17Senegal18Japan19Denmark20Getty Images SportRoad ahead
The October international window offers another chance for the North American hosts to refine their squads before the spotlight of 2026. For the U.S., consistency against top-20 opponents remains the measuring stick as Mauricio Pochettino works to translate individual talent into collective results.
Mexico will be under pressure to halt their recent slide and restore confidence against elite opposition. Canada’s focus will be on maintaining their upward trajectory without overextending key players in what is quickly becoming their strongest team yet. All of that continues the build up to the 2026 World Cup.