What is the USMNT’s latest position in the FIFA men’s world rankings?

The United States men’s national team (USMNT) have been rewarded for their successful conclusion to 2024 with a rise up the FIFA world rankings.

USMNT on edge of top 15

On Thursday, world soccer’s governing body released the final standings of the current calendar year - an update that saw the USMNT climb two places to 16th.

The Stars and Stripes’ improved ranking comes after Mauricio Pochettino’s men secured qualification for March’s CONCACAF Nations League finals, beating Jamaica 5-2 over a two-legged last-eight tie earlier this month.

By booking their spot in the Nations League semi-finals, the USMNT also qualified for next summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, which they are to host alongside Canada.

Which national team is No. 1 in the FIFA rankings?

Top of the world rankings since April 2023, world champions Argentina will head into 2025 as the globe’s highest-rated men’s national team. Indeed, the top five is unchanged: World Cup runners-up France stay second, with European champions Spain in third, Euro 2024 finalists England in fourth and Brazil in fifth.

USMNT regional top dogs

Having overtaken Mexico in the FIFA standings, the USMNT have re-established themselves as the highest-ranked team in the CONCACAF region. The US’s North American arch rivals have dropped to 19th, having previously occupied the spot now filled by Pochettino’s team.

After rising to the fringes of the top 15 - they are just seven points behind Japan - the USMNT will head into 2025 with the aim of closing back in on the world’s top 10. The Americans last took their place among the planet’s 10 highest-ranked teams in August 2021.

FIFA men’s world rankings - top 20:

1: Argentina - 1,867 points

2: France - 1,859 points

3: Spain - 1,853 points

4: England - 1,813 points

5: Brazil - 1,775 points

6: Portugal - 1,756 points

7: Netherlands - 1,747 points

8: Belgium - 1,740 points

9: Italy - 1,731 points

10: Germany - 1,703 points

11: Uruguay - 1695 points

12: Colombia - 1694 points

13: Croatia - 1691 points

14: Morocco - 1688 points

15: Japan - 1,652 points

16: USMNT - 1,645 points

17: Senegal - 1,637 points

18: Iran - 1,635 points

19: Mexico - 1,627 points

20: Switzerland - 1,625 points

Who do the USMNT play first in 2025?

Ahead of the Nations League semi-finals, in which the USMNT take on Panama, the seven-time CONCACAF champions open up 2025 with a home friendly against Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The clash is due to take place on Saturday January 18, with kick-off at Chase Stadium scheduled for 3 p.m. ET/12 noon PT.

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