FIFA Rankings Update: USMNT Holds Steady, Canada and Mexico Make Gains
April 3, 2025, 07:32 PM ET – The latest FIFA rankings have been released, and there’s plenty to talk about in the world of international soccer. The U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) finds itself holding steady at 16th place, a position that might feel a bit stagnant for fans hoping for a climb up the ranks. Meanwhile, our neighbors to the north, Canada, are celebrating a historic achievement, and Mexico is also on the rise following their recent performances in the Concacaf Nations League finals.
Let’s dive into the details. The USMNT had a tough time at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, where they lost both of their games. First, they fell to Panama in the semifinals, and then they were defeated by Canada in the third-place match. This leaves the U.S. just one spot ahead of their rivals, Mexico, who have been given a boost in the rankings after their impressive victories over Canada and Panama, securing their first Nations League title.
Panama’s unexpected triumph over the U.S. has earned them a three-place jump, bringing them up to No. 33 in the rankings. It’s a significant achievement for the team and a testament to their hard work and determination on the field.
Canada, despite their loss to Mexico in the semifinals, has moved up one spot to a new all-time high of No. 30. This is a remarkable rise for the Canadian men’s team, especially considering that just over a decade ago, in October 2014, they were ranked a lowly 122. Their journey has been nothing short of inspiring, particularly after qualifying for their first World Cup in 36 years back in 2022. Under the guidance of American coach Jesse Marsch, the Canadians have continued to make strides and show that they are a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico have all automatically qualified for the next World Cup in 2026 as co-hosts. Their next competitive matches will take place at the Concacaf Gold Cup, which kicks off on June 14. This tournament will be an opportunity for these teams to further hone their skills and strategies as they prepare for the global stage.
At the very top of the FIFA rankings, world champions Argentina continue to reign supreme at No. 1. Their recent victories over Uruguay and Brazil have solidified their position and ensured their qualification for the next World Cup.
In Europe, the rankings have seen a bit of a shuffle. European champions Spain has moved up one spot to second place, swapping positions with France. Meanwhile, England and Brazil round out the top five, maintaining their strong presence in the upper echelons of international soccer.
- USMNT remains at 16th in FIFA rankings.
- Canada reaches a new high at No. 30.
- Mexico climbs two spots after Nations League success.
- Panama jumps to No. 33 following a win over the U.S.
- Argentina holds the top spot, with Spain moving to second.
As we look forward to the upcoming matches and tournaments, it’s clear that the landscape of international soccer is as dynamic as ever. With teams like Canada and Mexico making significant strides, and the USMNT looking to regain momentum, the road to the 2026 World Cup promises to be an exciting journey for fans and players alike.
Originally Written by: ESPN