Why Did Germany Fall Out of the Top 10 in FIFA Rankings?
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Synopsis
Germany's drop from 9th to 12th in FIFA rankings raises questions about the team's future. After a devastating loss to Slovakia, pressure mounts on coach Julian Nagelsmann as they prepare to face Luxembourg. Can Germany reclaim its former glory, or will they continue to struggle on the international stage?
Key Takeaways
- Germany has fallen to 12th in FIFA rankings.
- They lost to Slovakia for the first time ever in a World Cup qualifier.
- Germany has only three points in Group E after two qualifiers.
- Spain is now ranked first for the first time in 11 years.
- Germany’s next match against Luxembourg is critical for their campaign.
Berlin, Sep 18 (NationPress) The former World Cup champion Germany has dropped from ninth to 12th in the latest men’s FIFA rankings released on Thursday, intensifying the scrutiny on the four-time World Cup victor.
Since claiming the title in Brazil 2014, Germany has faced disappointing exits in the group stages during both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The situation grew direr following a 2-0 defeat to Slovakia on September 5 in a 2026 World Cup qualifier— marking Germany's first loss to Slovakia, a nation ranked outside the global top 50 at that moment.
This result leaves Germany with only three points from their first two qualifiers in Group E, while Slovakia, which also triumphed over Luxembourg, leads the group with six points. Northern Ireland shares the same point total as Germany, while Luxembourg sits at the bottom. The group winner will secure a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup, with the runner-up heading to the playoffs, according to reports from Xinhua.
Meanwhile, reigning European champions Spain have ascended to first place in the FIFA rankings for the first time in 11 years, overtaking France. The 2022 World Cup champion Argentina holds the third position.
The current top 10 teams are Spain, France, Argentina, England, Portugal, Brazil, The Netherlands, Belgium, Croatia, and Italy.
Slovakia was the most significant mover, advancing 10 positions to No. 42, while Zimbabwe experienced the steepest decline, plummeting nine spots to 125th.
Germany's upcoming match against Luxembourg on October 10 could prove crucial for the embattled coach Julian Nagelsmann.
Point of View
I believe this drop in FIFA rankings reflects not just a momentary setback but a deeper issue within the German football structure. The team’s failure to perform at major tournaments raises significant concerns about coaching strategies and player development. As we look forward, addressing these issues will be crucial for restoring Germany's reputation in international football.
NationPress
20/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Germany to drop in FIFA rankings?
Germany's drop was primarily due to their recent loss to Slovakia in a World Cup qualifier, which highlighted ongoing struggles since their 2014 World Cup victory.
Who is the current coach of Germany?
The current coach of Germany is Julian Nagelsmann, who is under pressure following the team's recent performances.
What are the implications of Germany's ranking drop?
The drop in rankings could affect Germany's seeding in future tournaments and their chances of directly qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
