France claims top spot in FIFA ranking as Belgium players earn L'Equipe accolades

France FIFA ranking Belgium players World Cup 2026 L'Equipe revelations Brandon Mechele

Following the round‑of‑16 stage of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA released an updated world ranking. France moved to number one, overtaking reigning champion Argentina and European champion Spain. England remained fourth, Brazil rose one place, and Morocco advanced to sixth after reaching the quarter‑finals. Portugal fell to seventh, while Belgium climbed to eighth, moving ahead of the Netherlands, which dropped to ninth. The Netherlands stayed within the top ten, and host nation Mexico entered the top ten as well.

In a separate French sports newspaper feature, L'Equipe assembled a "team of revelations" from the tournament, highlighting two Belgian players: defender Brandon Mechele of Club Brugge and midfielder Nicolas Raskin. The outlet praised Mechele’s defensive contributions and Raskin’s midfield performances, including two assists, suggesting both could secure regular roles in Belgium’s national team.

Sources

Voorlopige FIFA-wereldranglijst: nieuwe nummer één, Oranje nog nipt in top tien [www.voetbalnieuws.nl]

6 days ago

Straf! L'Equipe zet twéé Duivels bij grootste WK-revelaties [www.voetbalnieuws.be]

5 days ago