Despite Lionel Messi’s absence due to injury, the Argentine national team won both crucial matches. These victories helped them reach a remarkable milestone in the FIFA World Ranking.
The Argentine National Team faced a major challenge in the recent CONMEBOL qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They played both games without their captain, Lionel Messi, who was out with a muscle injury. Despite his absence, head coach Lionel Scaloni successfully guided La Albiceleste to back-to-back victories, proving the squad’s depth and resilience on the international stage. After this, they achieved an impressive record in the FIFA ranking.
Those victories helped Argentina become the first CONMEBOL nation to all but clinch a spot at the 2026 World Cup. They also strengthened their position at the top of the FIFA World Ranking, which they have now held for two years. Argentina and England were the only top-10 teams to win both of their matches. It allowed the reigning world champions to widen the gap at the summit of the global standings.
While traditional European powerhouses like France and Spain have remained Argentina’s closest competitors in the ranking. Nevertheless, both teams dropped points in their latest qualifiers. That setback prevented them from closing the gap. Argentina took full advantage of the situation to extend their lead.
With these results, Argentina entered the top five teams with the longest reigns at the leadership of FIFA ranking. It does not mean they hold the all-time record. But it confirms how dominant they have been in the last two years.
Which national teams have held the longest reigns at the top of the FIFA rankings?
Argentine national team has now spent two full years at the top of the FIFA World Ranking. With that run, the national team climbs to fifth place on the all-time list for longest reigns at No. 1. Their current streak began in April 2023. Just ahead of them is Spain, whose golden generation held the top spot for two years and nine months, from September 2011 to June 2014.
Breaking the top three is Belgium national team. They led the ranking for three years and four months, from October 2018 to February 2022. Nevertheless, Brazilian national team dominates the FIFA ranking history. The national team has the two longest streaks at the leadership of the ranking.
Their second-longest run lasted four years and eight months. It started in June 2002 and ended in January 2007. The longest reign is also hold by Brazil, who led it for six years and eight months, from June 1994 to April 2001.
Credit: Bolavip US
