How the FIFA World Ranking is calculated
Points per match formula:
P = M x I x T x C
M: Points for the result:
- 3 points for a win
- 1 point for a draw
- 0 points for a loss
- 2 points for a win on penalties
- 1 point for a loss on penalties
I: Match status:
- Friendly: 1.0
- WC group stage & continental qualification: 2.5
- Continental finals & FIFA Confederations Cup: 3.0
- WC final tournament: 4.0
T: Opponent strength:
Based on the world ranking at the time of the match. Formula:
200 minus ranking position of the opponent. From position 150 a minimum value of 50 is used. The team at
rank 1 gets a value of
200.
C: Confederation strength:
Each confederation is weighted differently. When two teams from different confederations play, the average of both is used. Confederation strength is based on wins in the last 3 World Cups — current coefficients:
- CONMEBOL (South America): 1,0
- UEFA (Europe): 0,99
- CONCACAF (North & Central America) 0,88
- AFC/CAF (Asia / Africa) 0,86
- OFC (Oceania) 0,85
Total points calculation:
The total is calculated from matches over the last 48 months. More recent matches are weighted higher:
- 2026: 100%
- 2025: 50%
- 2024: 30%
- 2023: 20%
Finally, the
average points per match is calculated, which gives the final value per team.
Source:
Fifa.com
WC 2026 Draw
The world ranking is used for the WC draw to determine the teams in Pot 1. The host nations USA, Canada and Mexico are automatically placed in Pot 1, followed by the
highest-ranked teams who have also qualified for the
WC 2026.