Argentina have returned to the number one position in the FIFA world rankings, just hours before the World Cup kicks off in North America. Lionel Scaloni's side, who are defending their title, have replaced France at the top after victories over Iceland and Honduras in their warm-up friendlies.
France, one of the favourites to win the tournament, have dropped two places to third in the latest rankings. Spain remain in second place after drawing with Iran and beating Peru, while England are fourth, one spot ahead of Portugal.
Morocco have risen to seventh, their highest-ever position since the men's ranking was introduced in 1993, overtaking the Netherlands. Iran have climbed to 20th for the first time. The rankings will serve as a tiebreaker in the group stage to determine which teams advance if points and other criteria are level.
Historically, being top of the rankings has not guaranteed World Cup success. Brazil were ranked first before the last World Cup but went out in the quarter-finals, while Germany were top in 2018 and failed to progress from the group stage. Argentina were second when they won the title.
