Russia retains 35th place in updated FIFA ranking; Spain first
In short
FIFA's updated world ranking leaves Russia's men's team in 35th place with 1,537.45 points, according to Kommersant. Spain leads with 2,011.57 points, followed by Argentina and France. Russia played three friendlies in the international window, beating Iran 2-0 and Namibia 6-0 and drawing Nigeria 3-3.
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FIFA's updated world ranking, published on Wednesday, leaves Russia's men's national team in 35th place with 1,537.45 points, Kommersant reported. TASS, RBC and Interfax also reported that Russia retained 35th place. Spain leads the ranking with 2,011.57 points, according to Kommersant, which identified the Spanish team as the defending world champions. Argentina is second with 1,972.80 points, France third with 1,958.86, England fourth with 1,925.59 and Portugal fifth with 1,807.69, Kommersant reported. TASS separately said Spain occupies first place. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
In the completed international window, Russia played three friendlies, Kommersant reported. The team beat Iran 2-0 and Namibia 6-0 and drew 3-3 with Nigeria, according to Kommersant and RBC. RBC described the matches as autumn fixtures and identified the team as Valery Karpin's. RBC said the recent results were two wins and a draw. [ 2 , 3 ]
Kommersant reported that Russia and Belarus have been suspended from international tournaments under FIFA and UEFA since 2022, covering men's and women's teams. The outlet said that for the FIFA ranking, absence from tournaments under those bodies does not mean automatic exclusion, because friendly matches are also counted. Since February 2022, after the suspension, Russia has played five friendlies whose results counted toward the ranking, Kommersant said. [ 2 ]
According to Kommersant, Russia's position is determined not only by participation in official competitions but also by results in the international games available to it. Interfax reported that the updated ranking was published on Wednesday on FIFA's website. TASS reported that Russia kept 35th place and that Spain was first. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The ranking keeps Russia in the same position despite its suspension from official FIFA and UEFA tournaments, because friendlies still count toward the table, Kommersant reported. For international readers, the main significance is limited to football rankings and the continuing exclusion of Russia from official competitions; the documents give no broader consequences.
Key facts
- FIFA published an updated men's national team ranking on Wednesday. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Russia is 35th in the updated ranking. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Kommersant reported Russia has 1,537.45 points. [ 2 ]
- Spain leads the ranking. [ 1 , 2 ]
- Argentina is second, France third, England fourth and Portugal fifth, according to Kommersant. [ 2 ]
- Russia beat Iran 2-0, beat Namibia 6-0 and drew 3-3 with Nigeria in the completed international window. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Russia and Belarus have been suspended from FIFA and UEFA tournaments since 2022, Kommersant reported. [ 2 ]
- Friendlies count toward the FIFA ranking, so Russia's absence from official tournaments does not automatically exclude it, Kommersant reported. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Russia's exact points total is 1,537.45. Only Kommersant reports this figure; TASS, RBC and Interfax do not include point totals.
- Valery Karpin is the coach of the Russian team. Only RBC names Karpin in this context; other documents do not identify the coach.
- Ranking mechanics and the count of five friendlies counted since February 2022. Only Kommersant describes the suspension and ranking calculation; other outlets do not address these details.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- TASS reports Russia has retained 35th place in the FIFA ranking and Spain is first. [ 1 ]
- Kommersant reports Russia is 35th with 1,537.45 points and details recent friendlies and suspension context. [ 2 ]
- RBC reports Russia remains 35th after two wins and a draw, naming Valery Karpin's team. [ 3 ]
- Interfax reports the updated ranking was published Wednesday on FIFA's website. [ 4 ]