You've probably looked at the latest FIFA numbers and wondered how on earth the usa soccer team ranking can jump around so much when the team hasn't even played a "real" game in months. It feels like a bit of a math-induced fever dream. One week we’re sitting pretty in the top 15, and the next, some team in Europe wins a random qualifier and we’re sliding down the pole.
Honestly, the whole system is kind of a mess if you aren't a data scientist. But here’s the thing: as of early 2026, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is sitting at 14th in the world, according to the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking update. On the flip side, the women (USWNT) are currently holding the number 2 spot, just narrowly trailing Spain.
But rankings aren't everything.
The Mauricio Pochettino Factor and the Men's Climb
Since Mauricio Pochettino took the reins, there’s been this palpable shift in how the men's team is perceived. It isn't just about the "new coach smell." Basically, the team finished 2025 on a tear, going undefeated in their last five games against top-30 opposition. They picked up massive wins against Japan, Australia, and Uruguay.
That 2-1 victory over Uruguay? That was a statement.
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Because the U.S. is a co-host for the 2026 World Cup, they haven't had the "benefit" of playing high-stakes qualifying matches. In the FIFA ranking world, friendlies are worth way less than qualifiers. This usually suppresses the usa soccer team ranking for host nations. Yet, despite that handicap, the USMNT has managed to claw its way up to 14th.
Expert analysts like those at CBS Sports have actually placed the U.S. even higher—near the top 10—in recent "Power Rankings." Power rankings are different because they look at form and roster talent rather than just a backward-looking algorithm. With Chris Richards recently being named the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, the defensive spine looks more solid than it has in years.
Why the 2026 World Cup Draw Matters for the Ranking
The U.S. got a massive break during the December 2025 draw. Being a host means they were automatically placed in Pot 1. That’s huge. It means they avoid the heavy hitters like Spain, Argentina, and France in the group stage.
Current Group D lineup for 2026:
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- United States
- Paraguay
- Australia
- UEFA Playoff Winner (could be Romania, Slovakia, or Türkiye)
If the USMNT sweeps this group, their ranking is going to skyrocket right before the knockout rounds. There's even talk from people like Ben Steiner at Sports Illustrated that this squad could realistically push for a semifinal. That would be the first time since 1930. Imagine the ranking jump then.
The USWNT: Chasing Spain for the Crown
The women's side of the usa soccer team ranking is a different beast entirely. Emma Hayes has basically been a whirlwind since she arrived. The USWNT finished 2025 with an incredible 12-3-0 record. No draws. Just winning or losing, mostly winning.
They currently sit at number 2 in the world, with 2057.58 points. Spain is still the queen of the hill with 2094.89.
The most exciting part? The kids are taking over. In 2025, over 51% of the goals and assists involved players under the age of 25. We're talking about Ally Sentnor, Olivia Moultrie, and Claire Hutton. These aren't just "prospects" anymore; they are the core.
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They recently dismantled Canada 3-0 in what was voted the 2025 Game of the Year. When you beat the 8th-ranked team in the world that convincingly with a "young" squad, the ranking points pour in. The next big test is the 2026 SheBelieves Cup, which will feature Argentina, Colombia, and Canada. If the U.S. sweeps that, they might just leapfrog Spain by the April 2026 update.
The ELO vs. FIFA Debate: Which one is "Real"?
If you want to sound like a real expert at the bar, bring up ELO ratings. Most "hardcore" soccer fans hate the official FIFA rankings. They think they’re too slow to react to reality.
ELO ratings (which come from the world of chess) look at things like:
- Goal difference (Winning 4-0 is better than 1-0)
- Home field advantage
- Roster strength
Right now, ELO models actually rank the USMNT a bit lower—around 27th. Why? Because the ELO system dings the U.S. for playing "B-team" games in tournaments like the Gold Cup. FIFA often ignores those nuances. So, depending on which stat nerd you ask, the usa soccer team ranking is either "Top 15 and rising" or "Mid-tier and lucky."
Practical Next Steps for Fans
If you’re tracking these rankings to see how the U.S. will fare in the 2026 World Cup, don’t just look at the number. Follow these specific metrics instead:
- Watch the "Points Exchange": Since the U.S. plays Paraguay on June 12, 2026, a win against a lower-ranked CONMEBOL team will yield fewer points than a win against a European powerhouse.
- Monitor the FIFA update schedule: The next big men's update is January 18, 2026. The next women's update isn't until April 22, 2026. Mark your calendars.
- Keep an eye on the "Young Player" minutes: If players like Benjamin Cremaschi and Max Arfsten continue to start, the "talent floor" of the team rises, making the ranking more sustainable over the long term.
The reality is that rankings are a tool, not a crystal ball. Whether the U.S. is 14th, 10th, or 25th, the only thing that will actually move the needle for American soccer is what happens on the grass in Los Angeles and Seattle this summer.