Mexico closed the 2026 World Cup inside the top 10 of the FIFA rankings after a strong run that saw them climb four places. Mexico finished the tournament with a 3-2 loss to England in the Round of 16, but their performances earned them the 10th spot in the world rankings - their highest finish in over a decade.
What happened to the FIFA rankings after the 2026 World Cup?
Spain lifted the World Cup trophy with a 1-0 win over Argentina in the final, but the rankings also saw major shifts. Mexico was one of the biggest movers, jumping from 14th to 10th after a tournament that included wins over Brazil and Germany in the group stage and a 2-1 victory against Ecuador in the Round of 16.
Their World Cup run ended with a narrow 3-2 defeat to England in the Round of 16, but the team’s performances left a strong impression. Despite the early exit, FIFA rewarded their efforts with a four-place rise in the rankings. Mexico finished as the top-ranked team from Concacaf and the 10th-best side in the world, their highest ranking since the early 2010s.
Why does the 10th-place ranking matter for El Tri?
The climb to 10th isn’t just a number - it reflects Mexico’s growth in recent years. With a core of young talents like Edson Álvarez and Santiago Giménez, the team proved it can compete with Europe’s and South America’s elite. The top-10 finish also gives Mexico more prestige in World Cup qualifying draws and a stronger seeding for the road to 2030.
Javier Aguirre, the manager who led El Tri through the tournament, called it a historic achievement. "We achieved something historic for Mexican football," Aguirre said after the England match. "The team played with heart, and that showed in the rankings."
What’s next for El Tri after the 2026 World Cup?
With their new 10th-place ranking, Mexico returns to international action with a chance to build on this momentum. The team has a busy schedule ahead, including Concacaf Nations League matches and friendlies against European opponents. The young core that shined in Qatar 2026 now has the chance to cement their status as leaders.
Mexico’s last result was a 2-3 loss to England on July 6, 2026, but their recent form tells a different story: over the last five games, they’ve picked up four wins and just one loss (4W-0D-1L). With six goals scored and none conceded in the World Cup, the team showed defensive and offensive solidity - a trend they’ll aim to carry forward.
The 10th-place ranking is a reward for the team’s collective effort, but it’s also a challenge to keep growing. Mexico proved it belongs among the world’s best and now sets its sights on the next step: challenging for the title at the next World Cup.
