Here's where Croatia will be on the new FIFA ranking

The International Football Federation (FIFA) will release its updated world rankings on Monday, July 20. Croatia’s national team, which finished sixth at the World Cup, is set to drop two positions and move down to 13th place in the new ranking. The change follows Croatia's performance during the tournament, where they secured two wins against Panama and Ghana but suffered two defeats against England and Portugal. Their campaign ended with a loss to France in the round of 16, preventing them from repeating their previous successes of silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022. Croatia’s World Cup campaign saw them start strongly, defeating Panama and Ghana before facing tougher challenges in the group stage. They managed to advance to the knockout rounds but were ultimately defeated by France in a tightly contested match. This result marked a departure from their previous World Cup performances, where they had consistently reached the semifinals or better. The top of the new rankings will be determined by the outcome of Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Argentina can retain its position at the summit if it does not lose, while Spain must secure a victory to claim the number one spot. Both teams have been dominant throughout the tournament, with Argentina reaching the final after a thrilling run through the competition. France and England have maintained their third and fourth positions respectively, having both advanced smoothly through the tournament. Brazil continues to lead the rankings, securing fifth place despite being eliminated in the quarterfinals. Morocco has claimed sixth place, marking a notable rise in their global standing. Other nations within the top ten include Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, and Mexico, who climbed four spots due to their impressive run to the quarterfinals. Mexico’s ascent reflects their strong performance in the World Cup, where they won all four of their matches and reached the last eight. Their success was largely attributed to a balanced attack and solid defensive play, which allowed them to overcome some of the strongest teams in the tournament. This climb highlights the growing competitiveness of teams from outside traditional football powerhouses. The new FIFA rankings will provide a clearer picture of the current state of international football, reflecting the outcomes of the recent World Cup. While some teams have gained ground, others have slipped back, showcasing the dynamic nature of global football rankings. The results will influence future qualification campaigns and seeding for upcoming tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup. As the final whistle blows on Sunday, the world will await the official announcement of the updated rankings. The outcome of the World Cup final will determine the top spot, setting the stage for the next phase of international competition. With so many teams vying for recognition, the new rankings will serve as a benchmark for aspiring nations aiming to improve their standings in the global football hierarchy.