Croatia drop to 13th in FIFA rankings after World Cup 2026
Croatia’s national team has slipped two places to 13th in the latest FIFA rankings following the 2026 World Cup. The last recorded result was a 2-1 loss to Portugal on July 2, 2026, in a friendly match.
What changed on the rankings?
FIFA published the updated list after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. Spain reclaimed the top spot, while Argentina fell to second. France and England remain third and fourth despite losing the bronze-medal match. Brazil climbed to fifth, and Morocco secured a historic sixth-place finish.
Portugal dropped two places to seventh, with Belgium now eighth. The Netherlands sit ninth, while Mexico broke into the top ten with a four-place jump. Germany exited the top ten and now ranks 12th, just one place ahead of Croatia.
Why this matters for the Vatreni
The drop to 13th isn’t just a number-it reflects the team’s form after the World Cup. Over the last five matches, Croatia has recorded three wins, two losses, and no draws (LLWWW). Still, the two consecutive defeats at the end signal a need for quick fixes.
The next fixture for the national team is September 26, 2026, away to Czechia. Currently fourth in the qualifying group, every point will be crucial for Euro 2028 qualification.
When is the next rankings update?
The next FIFA rankings will be published on October 7, 2026. Until then, the team has time to review results and prepare for the upcoming qualifiers. Germany, which also fell out of the top ten, has already begun changes to its technical staff.
