World Cup co-hosts surge up FIFA rankings after strong start

Short overview
Canada, Mexico and the USA have climbed the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking after a combined 16 points from 18 in the World Cup group stage. Mexico sits 11th, USA 13th, and Canada 27th in the live rankings.
Canada, Mexico and the United States have all risen in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking following an impressive start to the FIFA World Cup 2026 as co-hosts. The three nations have collected a combined 16 points from a possible 18 in their opening two group-stage matches, dispelling pre-tournament doubts about their form and fitness.
Co-hosts climb the live ranking
Based on the live ranking after their second group-stage fixtures, all three teams now sit inside the top 30. Mexico and the USA are on the verge of breaking into the top ten.
Canada: From 30th to 27th
Canada entered the tournament ranked 30th in the official ranking published on 11 June. After a 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto—their first-ever World Cup point—the Canucks followed up with a 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver. That result lifted Jesse Marsch's side to 27th in the live table.
Mexico: Unbeaten and up to 11th
Mexico are the only co-host yet to concede a goal. Javier Aguirre's team opened with a 2-0 win over South Africa and then edged Korea Republic 1-0. Those results moved Mexico up three places to 11th. Depending on other results, Mexico could end the group stage inside the top ten.
USA: Jump to 13th
The United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in Los Angeles and defeated Australia 2-0 in Seattle. The victory over Australia earned the USA +20.8 ranking points, propelling them to 13th in the live ranking—just 11 points behind Mexico as both teams vie for a top-ten spot.
Top of the table unchanged
Argentina remain first overall. France moved into second after Spain dropped points against Cabo Verde. England, Brazil, and Morocco round out the top six.
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