This Tuesday, FIFA released its latest update to the 2025 world rankings, and it delivered a couple of surprising twists.
First, the upcoming Finalissima will feature the reigning world champions, Argentina, against the team now sitting at the top of FIFA’s list: Spain. Second — and especially relevant for Concacaf — the United States has finished ahead of Mexico for the fifth straight year.
Sitting side by side in the ranking
Even though the USMNT was briefly overtaken by El Tri in a few ranking updates earlier in 2025, the strong finish under head coach Mauricio Pochettino pushed the Americans back in front. The USMNT now sits 14th, with Mexico right behind in 15th.
Despite disappointments like finishing fourth in the Concacaf Nations League and losing the Gold Cup final, the USMNT closed the year with a string of impressive results: wins over Japan (2–0), Australia (2–1), Paraguay (2–1), and Uruguay (5–1), plus a draw with Ecuador (1–1).
Mexico, under Javier Aguirre, has had a more uneven stretch. Even with titles in both the Nations League and the Gold Cup, their results since the September international window have raised questions. El Tri drew with Japan (0–0), South Korea (2–2), Ecuador (1–1), and Uruguay (0–0), and suffered losses to Colombia (0–4) and Paraguay (1–2).
2026: A massive test for the US and Mexico
With the 2026 North American World Cup fast approaching, both teams will face high‑level opponents to close out their preparation. The USMNT is set to play Belgium, Portugal, Senegal, and Germany — three Top‑10 teams and a Senegal side ranked inside the Top‑20.
Mexico’s challenge will be similar, as they’re scheduled to face Portugal and Belgium during the March international break.
Once the World Cup begins, El Tri will compete in Group A against South Africa, South Korea, and one of Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Ireland — and they recently faced the South Koreans.
The United States will play in Group D against Paraguay, Australia, and one of Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo; Pochettino’s squad already met Paraguay and Australia in their latest window.