Argentina wins, no first place in the Fifa rankings for France

Thanks to a splendid goal from Lautaro Martinez, Argentina won against Peru (1-0) on Tuesday during qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. A success which notably allows it to retain first place in the Fifa ranking ahead France.

France will not return to the top of the Fifa rankings for the first time since 2018. The Blues had to hope for a draw or a defeat for Argentina against Peru on Tuesday but the Albiceleste won (1-0) in this qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup. The world champions suffered a setback in Paraguay (2-1) on Thursday, confirming their sluggish performances since their coronation during the Copa America last July (two wins, one draw, two losses).

France will finish second

Tuesday, they provided the essential thanks to a splendid goal from Lautaro Martinez with a left-footed scissor (55th) receiving a cross from Lionel Messi. This short success allows the Argentines to consolidate their leading position in the 2026 World Cup qualifying standings with six points ahead of Uruguay, second, who conceded the draw against Brazil (1-1).

Argentina will therefore conclude a new year at the top of world football, where it has been since April 2023, a few months after its coronation at the 2022 World Cup. France, victorious in Italy on Sunday, will finish second ahead of Spain during the next updated mix of the Fifa ranking.

Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach, did not attend a press conference to express his relief. Suffering, he gave his place to his deputy Walter Samuel for the exercise. “He wasn't feeling well so he told me to come and answer your questions. Nothing to worry about,” reassured the former AS Roma defender. He continued by rejoicing at the reaction of the players after the setback in Paraguay. “The players are hungry to keep winning,” he added. “We made a misstep against Paraguay, but the team is still showing its face. The results for 2024 are super positive. Losing a match hurts but it's good because it keeps us alert, the bar is high and we have to live with that. They still have ambition.”