sports rankings

FIFA ranking of the national teams: What it is, current data

Home » Blog » FIFA ranking of the national teams: What it is, current data
Мир футбола — вечное противостояние лучших команд мира, соревнование стратегии, тактики и таланта.

The world of football is an eternal competition between the best teams in the world, a competition of strategy, tactics and talent. The FIFA national team rankings show who is at the top and also determine the future of many teams by influencing draws, tournaments and the fate of athletes. Introduced in 1993, this system allows football fans and teams to see their positions, track their successes and strategise for future victories.

How the FIFA national team rankings work: a detailed insight into the mechanism

Football rankings may seem mysterious, but with a little insight the mechanism becomes clear. How are the FIFA rankings calculated? The answer lies in a clear mathematical formula that takes into account important factors such as match results, tournament status and the strength of opponents. Every game counts, every competition means a step up or down the list.

lex_1140_362_en.webp

The FIFA ranking formula for national teams: How does it work?

FIFA uses a rating method based on the Elo system. This takes into account the results of the matches, the level of the opponents and the importance of the tournament. A win against a strong opponent at the World Cup scores many more points than a win in a friendly match. The FIFA ranking criteria also include the importance of the tournament – the more important the match, the more points can be scored. Even a single successful match can have a major impact on a team’s position in the table.

The influence of the FIFA rankings on the draw is a decisive factor that teams take into account when planning their success. High rankings help to avoid strong opponents in the early stages of major tournaments.

History and development of the FIFA national team rankings: from the past to the present

How the FIFA national team rankings work: a detailed insight into the mechanismThe system has come a long way since its launch in 1993. The story began with a simple idea – to give football fans and the teams themselves a way to understand who is the best in the world. Over time, however, the system has changed and adapted to the new realities of the football world.

The first steps

Originally, the FIFA ranking was a simple points system based on the points scored by the national teams over the previous four years. A certain number of points were awarded for each win, draw and defeat, which helped to define the hierarchy in world football and make the competition more transparent.

The evolution of the ranking: key points and changes

The system has changed considerably over time. In 2006, after the World Cup in Germany, FIFA changed its approach to scoring in order to give more weight to actual results and reduce the influence of long-standing matches. These changes affected the positions of teams such as Brazil, Argentina and Germany, the traditional leaders of world football, who now had to take every detail into account.

The top teams in the FIFA rankings: Who’s calling the shots today?

The world of football is constantly changing, but some teams remain at the top. Today, the teams at the top of the table are those that are characterised by stability, strength and ability. The FIFA national team rankings show the current position of the best teams in the world and explain why exactly they have earned their place.

Today’s leaders

Following the last update of the FIFA rankings on 24 October 2024, the top 5 national teams are as follows

  1. Argentina – 1883.5 points (currently leading thanks to the consistent play of Lionel Scaloni and the phenomenal form of Lionel Messi, who continues to be a key player for the team)
  2. France – 1859.85 points (Didier Deschamps’ national team continues to excel thanks to the strong attack of Kylian Mbappe and the consistent play of the midfield and defence. The 2018 World Cup experience also plays an important role in the team’s confident performances)
  3. Spain – 1844.33 points (Under the leadership of Luis Enrique, the team is relying on young players such as Pedri and Gavi and returning to the dominant ball control that has brought success in the past.
  4. Goalkeeper Unai Simon also shows a stable game and gives the team more security in defence)
  5. England – 1807.83 points (Under the management of Gareth Southgate, the team relies on a stable defence and a young generation of players such as Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. The team has a good
  6. balance of experienced players such as Harry Kane and new stars, which allows them to achieve stable results on the international stage)
  7. Brazil – 1784.37 points (Led by Fernando Diniz, the team displays an attacking style that is characteristic of the Brazilian school of football. Despite recent defeats, the team is showing a high level of play thanks to stars such as Neymar, Vinicius Junior and Casemiro. Brazil are keen to reclaim their place at the top of the world game by actively working on tactical flexibility and improving the interplay between the lines).

Russian national team in the FIFA rankings: current position

The Russian team is in 34th place with 1508.73 points. After difficult recent years and missed tournaments, the team under Valery Karpin is actively working to regain lost ground. Karpin is relying on young athletes such as Arsen Zakharyan and Aleksandr Golovin, which promises significant improvements and progress in the near future.

Why are the FIFA national team rankings so important for football fans and teams?

A good position in the rankings gives teams more favourable draws, which can have a significant impact on their success in tournaments. The influence of the FIFA rankings on the draw is particularly noticeable in major competitions such as the World Cup or European Championship.

Conclusion

The top teams in the FIFA rankings: Who's calling the shots today?The FIFA national team rankings continue to evolve and, like football itself, reflect a changing world. The future depends on many factors – match results, youth development, coaching changes. The national teams that can adapt to the new challenges will continue to rise. The future of the league table promises to be just as interesting as its past, and football fans need only follow each game closely, as each win or loss can change everything.

gizbo_1140_362_en.webp

Stay tuned and cheer on your favourite teams, because football is a drama with unexpected twists and well-deserved triumphs.

Related posts

The year 2024 was a true kaleidoscope of emotions, huge prizes and amazing matches. Who topped the CS:GO team rankings and earned the biggest sums? Let’s delve into the world of cybersports and see which teams made it to the top of the list and what they did to get to the top.

Top 5 CS:GO teams by prize money for 2024: new heroes and old legends

The year 2024 gave fans an amazing ranking of CS:GO teams, featuring both young contenders and legendary old hands returning their titles. The teams displayed a masterful level of play and won solid prize pools:

monro_1140_362_en.webp
  1. NAVI. The legendary team proved their strength once again, collecting over 2 million dollars in prize money. Their victory at the Major Championship 2024 not only brought money, but also strengthened their position as one of the strongest teams.
  2. FaZe Clan. These guys were just as good as NAVI, taking second place in prize money with a total of $1.8 million. Their stable results at DreamHack Masters and other tournaments secured them a high place in the CS:GO team rankings.
  3. Heroic. The Norwegian team surprised everyone with their performances this season. They won several important matches, including a victory at IEM Katowice, which earned them 1.5 million dollars in prize money. Their tactical decisions on the field have become a model of team play.
  4. G2 Esports. Despite the strong competition, G2 performed well and took fourth place in prize money. They won over 1.2 million dollars and were characterised by their aggressive tactics and masterful play at key moments.
  5. Team Vitality. The French team was again in the top five, earning almost a million dollars. Their great performance at the BLAST Premier cemented their position as one of the top teams.

NAVI: Return to the top and prize money in 2024

NAVI faced a lot of adversity in 2024, but still managed to return to the top. At several major CS:GO tournaments, they proved that they are still one of the strongest teams in the world. Their victory at the Major Championship 2024 earned them huge prize money and their status as one of the most influential teams of the season. In that tournament, NAVI won the final against FaZe Clan 2-1, with the deciding map ending 16-14.

s1mple showed a masterful game and scored 38 frags on the last map, which was a key moment. Also worth mentioning is the contribution of b1t and electronic, who provided stable support in the most difficult situations. The secret of NAVI’s success lies in the exceptional teamwork, the great synergy between the players and the outstanding play of individual members, such as s1mple, whose amazing kill rate in the final brought victory and the incredible emotions of the fans. In addition to the teamwork, the tactical decisions made by B1ad3’s coach in the final minutes of the game were crucial to the victory.

Global statistics and the importance of cybersport in the world of CS:GO

Top 5 CS:GO teams by prize money for 2024: new heroes and old legendsThe global popularity of Counter-Strike continues to grow rapidly, as the high prize money at major tournaments shows. In 2024, the cybersport has set new records and statistics show a significant increase in investment and spectator numbers. Total prize money at CS tournaments has surpassed the 20 million dollar mark and viewership on the Twitch platform has reached record levels. Cybersport has become a real cultural phenomenon, connecting millions of people around the world.

Major tournaments such as DreamHack Masters and IEM Katowice have not only attracted the attention of fans, but also that of major sponsors willing to invest in the development of the industry. This confirms that Counter-Strike maintains its leading position in the world of cybersports, and the CS team rankings show an incredible dynamic of change.

Major CS:GO tournaments in 2024:

  • The Major Championship 2024 is the biggest tournament gathering the best CS:GO teams and providing a huge prize pool of $2 million. NAVI once again demonstrated its superiority with a convincing victory.
  • DreamHack Masters is one of the most spectacular championships of the year, known for its unexpected finals and dramatic matches. FaZe Clan showed its best side and won 800 thousand dollars.
  • IEM Katowice – a tournament that became an arena for uncompromising fights between the best. Heroic took first place and proved that they are among the best in the world.
  • ESL Pro League – the place where ENCE made its breakthrough and is known for its relentless style of play.
  • BLAST Premier – the final event of the year, where Team Vitality once again seized the opportunity to strengthen their position in the world rankings.

These tournaments were a vivid reflection of the high level of cybersport and confirmed that CS is still at the peak of popularity, attracting millions of fans and bringing unforgettable emotions to all participants

The first teams of the season: who raised the most money?

This year, several teams literally stormed into the rankings of the best in CS. Those who unexpectedly found themselves at the top and won considerable sums of money stood out in particular. I wonder which CS teams won the most money? They include ENCE, Outsiders and Cloud9, whose performances this year have been truly impressive:

raken__1140_362_en.webp
  1. ENCE won over $700,000 thanks to a brilliant performance at the ESL Pro League, where they beat the favourites and secured their place in history.
    Outsiders surprised everyone by earning $600,000 at IEM Cologne by displaying an aggressive style of play and pulling off some brilliant comebacks in the final matches.
  2. Coudl9 were also at the forefront thanks to their success at BLAST Premier, where they won $500,000. Success often depended on the individual play of strong players like dycha, Snappi, Jame and
  3. HObbit, who showed tactical ingenuity, the ability to adapt to their opponents and flawless shooting.

Conclusion

The first teams of the season: who raised the most money?The CS:GO team rankings for 2024 have shown incredible momentum and intensity. These results are not just dry numbers, but a testament to the dedication, professionalism and passion that players bring to the table. Cybersport has become an integral part of modern culture and CS continues to be its flagship event, connecting people around the world. Spectators enjoy every second of the exciting competition, and teams continue to fight for a place at the top and show an ever-increasing level of skill. It is important to follow this exciting process to be part of the history that is being written.

The main esports tournament of spring 2025 became a key event for fans and analysts of Counter-Strike 2. Its representatives are not just teams from different parts of the world, but ambitious contenders for the main role in the evolution of the discipline. The participants of the PGL Astana 2025 championship combined experience, fresh tactics, and regional diversity with the aim of launching a competition that opens a new era of digital battles.

## Reflection of the Forces of Global Esports

lex_1140_362_en.webp

In May 2025, Astana will become the arena for the best teams of the global esports scene. The participants of PGL Astana 2025 are ushering in a new era in Counter-Strike 2. Teams that have been tested by international trophies and newcomers who have made their way through the qualifiers will take to the battlefield.

Organizers announced 24 teams: 16 passed through regional qualifiers, and 8 received direct invitations. The distribution of slots was based on sporting principles, taking into account HLTV rankings, stability on the LAN scene, and the significance of teams in the ecosystem.

### Participants in PGL Astana 2025: Favorites

Contenders of the esports competition cover the entire spectrum of geography. The final pool includes teams such as:

1. Vitality — the winner of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 title, retained its core and strengthened with a new sniper from MOUZ.
2. FaZe — returned to stability under the leadership of karrigan, had a successful spring split.
3. Team Spirit — top-1 in the HLTV ranking for March 2025, maintains positions due to discipline and thoughtful rotations.
4. Monte — the sensation of spring, defeated G2 in the qualifying final.
5. The MongolZ — the only representative of Asia in the group stage, advanced directly after winning at IEM Shanghai.

The full list of participants in the PGL Astana 2025 tournament for CS 2 solidified the championship’s status as a global stage. The Baltics, the Balkans, Asia, South America — each region had the opportunity to make a statement.

## Tournament Structure: Group Stage and Key Dates

Participants of the championship will start their journey in three groups of 8 teams each. Each round will be a best-of-three, with the top two leaders from each group advancing directly to the final game. The next two will move to the play-in phase. Group stage matches are scheduled for the period from May 10 to 15.

Format:

– May 10–15 — group stage;
– May 17–19 — play-in;
– May 21–25 — playoffs;
– May 26 — final.

Organizers will use the Barys Arena with a capacity of 12,000 spectators. For the first time in the history of CS tournaments, the stage is equipped with a 360° circular LED system.

## Favorites vs. Underdogs

After the group stage in the May playoffs stage, favorites and surprises will clash. Participants of PGL Astana 2025 in the decisive part will be distributed in the Olympic grid: the winner of the upper pair advances to the grand final, while the loser gets a chance in the lower bracket.

Scenarios are based on the following assumptions:

1. Vitality has a 75% chance of reaching the semifinals.
2. G2, despite instability, won 4 out of the last 5 matches on LAN.
3. Cloud9, having lost a leader, is using reserves from the Academy roster, which poses a high risk.

## Participants of PGL Astana 2025: Details

The list of teams reflects a current snapshot of the global CS2 scene — from recognized leaders to new names that have made it through tough selection. Each team earned a slot based on rankings, tournament points, and success in regional qualifiers.

The list, as confirmed by the official announcement on HLTV and the organizers’ website:

1. Team Vitality (France).
2. FaZe Clan (Europe).
3. Team Spirit (Russia).
4. G2 Esports (Europe).
5. Cloud9 (USA).
6. Monte (Ukraine).
7. ENCE (Finland).
8. Virtus.pro (Russia).
9. Astralis (Denmark).
10. MOUZ (Germany).
11. Complexity (USA).
12. Eternal Fire (Turkey).
13. FURIA (Brazil).
14. Imperial Esports (Brazil).
15. The MongolZ (Mongolia).
16. Apeks (Norway).
17. FORZE (Russia).
18. paiN Gaming (Brazil).
19. 9INE (Poland).
20. OG (Europe).
21. BIG (Germany).
22. TYLOO (China).
23. Falcons (Saudi Arabia).
24. Aurora Gaming (Russia).

The team composition of the esports event PGL Astana 2025 was formed based on current rankings, ESL tournament points, and the results of the qualifying stages. Qualifications took place in six regions: Europe (two zones), Asia, South America, North America, CIS.

### What’s Behind the Invitations

Participants of PGL Astana 2025 with direct invitations reflect a trend of trust in stability and recognizability.

Vitality, FaZe, G2, Spirit, and MOUZ received slots without qualification. Organizers were guided by rankings, viewership metrics, and fan engagement. HLTV noted that FaZe and Spirit accounted for over 65% of all views of S-Tier tournaments in the first quarter of 2025.

## Esports on the Verge of Transformation

Participants of the PGL Astana 2025 tournament are not just competing for the title — they are shaping the direction of the discipline’s development. The championship sets the standard for organization, audiovisual design, and audience interaction. The introduction of new technological solutions, including projection elements on the arena floor and an adaptive sound system, increased audience engagement by 38% compared to PGL Major Stockholm 2021.

The Counter-Strike 2 tournament in Astana offers viewers the choice of real-time broadcast angles for the first time in the series’ history. This allows for monitoring the dynamics of the battle, evaluating team strategies, and following the individual gameplay of specific players. This approach enhances the educational effect and increases the value of content for analysts and coaches.

gizbo_1140_362_en.webp

## Culmination in the Heart of Eurasia: Final

Participants of PGL Astana 2025 will complete their journey in the grand final on May 26. The final will be in a best-of-five format — the only match of such length in the championship. Preliminary data shows that the peak viewership could reach 1.7 million simultaneous views. The forecast is based on the growth dynamics of viewership in the spring ESL and BLAST tournaments.

Organizers are counting on a historic outcome. Astana is transforming into the center of attention for the esports world. The city provides teams with facilities such as specialized training zones, VR areas for map adaptation, and simulation cabins with acoustic pressure simulating the stage.