Live Scores

football Live Scores & Fixtures

Latest FIFA Rankings announced: Argentina remains on top, India climbs up to 125th

According to the latest FIFA rankings published on 24 October 2024, Argentina continues to top the list. India climbs up to 125th from their previous 126th position.

Oct 26, 2024, 6:54 AMโ€ข2 min read

(Image Courtesy | IndiaToday)

FIFA published the latest international rankings on 24 October 2024 after the international break in October 2024. The 2022 World Champions Argentina remains on top of the list. The Indian National Football team climbed up to 125th from their 126th position in the previous rankings published on 19 September 2024. 

FIFA Rankings: Top 10 (24 October 2024)

The World Champions Argentina continues to be in the 1st position even though they were handed over a -5.52 points deduction. Argentina ended the game against Venezuela in a 1-1 draw and had a majestic 6-0 win over Bolivia during this international break. 

Latest FIFA Rankings announced: Argentina remains on top, India climbs up to 125th-sportzpoint.com
Argentina thrashed Bolivia by 6-0. (Image Courtesy | Eurosport)

Among the top 10, Brazil received the most points in this latest rankings as they received +12.35 points in total but they remain in the 5th position. Brazil had an away win against Chile by 2-1 and thrashed Peru by 4-0 on home soil. 

Latest FIFA Rankings announced: Argentina remains on top, India climbs up to 125th-sportzpoint.com
Brazil Crushed Peru by 4-0. (Image Courtesy | The Rio Times)

Colombia received the most points deduction in the top 10 teams and they have dropped to 10th after a -14.35 points deduction. However, Colombia lost 0-1 against Bolivia in an away match but had a 4-0 victory at home against Chile

Top 10

Latest FIFA Rankings announced: Argentina remains on top, India climbs up to 125th-sportzpoint.com
(Source | FIFA website)

Indian National Football Team 

Latest FIFA Rankings announced: Argentina remains on top, India climbs up to 125th-sportzpoint.com

India faced a drop in the rankings published on 19 September 2024 as they slipped to 126th position from their previous 124th. However, India has now climbed up to the 125th position with +0.26 points received.

India was set to participate in a series of tri-nation friendlies against Vietnam and Lebanon during the international break in October 2024 but Lebanon withdrew due to political unrest in their country. India faced Vietnam on 12 October 2024 and the match ended in a 1-1 draw

The Indian team is yet to win a game under new manager Manolo Marquez and their next outing is set to be against Malaysia in a friendly on 19 November 2024.

Next Article

Donald Trump: 2026 World Cup an 'incentive' for Russia to end Ukraine war

Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the meeting, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the 2026 World Cup.

May 8, 2025, 11:27 AMโ€ข2 min read

Donald Trump: 2026 World Cup an 'incentive' for Russia to end Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump has made a claim that the FIFA 2026 World Cup could help end Russiaโ€™s invasion of Ukraine and shut down the war. The Russian national football team has been banned from international competition by FIFA and UEFA since the country's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Trump, during his 2024 campaign, vowed to end the Russia-Ukraine war on the first day back in. But his efforts to broker a deal between the countries have so far stuttered.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

Trump was unaware of the ban

Trump was questioned about the possible participation of Russia at next year's World Cup. Speaking alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the meeting, Trump admitted he was unaware that Russia are banned from the 2026 World Cup.

During the meeting at the White House, a reporter asked the president for his stance on the ban, which was part of global sporting sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Trump said, "I didn't know that, is that right? You want to explain that?"

"That is right," replied Infantino. "They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted."

Trump on Russia-Ukraine war

The United States are hosting the World Cup next year along with Canada and Mexico but Russia are currently banned by both FIFA and UEFA from participating in international competitions due to their invasion of Ukraine.

Trump has now said that reinstating Russia for the tournament could help end the war in Ukraine, feeling that it โ€˜could be a good incentiveโ€™ for Putin.

Also Read: Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti after recent humiliation against Argentina

"That's possible. Hey, could be a good incentive, right?" Trump replied to Infantino.

"We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. 5,000 people a week are being killed -- it's not even believable. We're going to get that war stopped."

Russia haven't played a competitive fixture since a 2022 World Cup qualifying defeat to Croatia in November 2021. They have played 16 friendlies since then, winning 11 of them.

Next Article

Club Leon gaffer slams FIFA and Gianni Infantino over Club World Cup exclusion

Club Leon head coach Eduardo Berizzo has slammed FIFA president Gianni Infantino and the organization over the club's controversial exclusion from the 2025 Club World Cup.

Apr 18, 2025, 2:20 PMโ€ข3 min read

Club Leon gaffer slams FIFA and Gianni Infantino over Club World Cup exclusion-sportzpoint.com
Club Leon head coach Eduardo Berizzo (Image Credit | Getty images)

Club Leon boss Eduardo Berizzo has come out and slammed FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino over his team being omitted from the 2025 Club World Cup due to rules regarding multiple-club ownership.

In March, FIFA decided that Leon were not qualified to play in the first 32-team competition after they failed to match FIFA's multi-club ownership requirements, and Infantino has since donated their place in a playoff game between Club America and Los Angeles FC.

But the Mexican club has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and, at a news conference, Berizzo had some strong words against the decision.

Read Also | FIFA considering play-off game to replace Club Leon at the Club World Cup 2025

Club Leon boss slams FIFA and Infantino

Club Leon gaffer slams FIFA and Gianni Infantino over Club World Cup exclusion-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

Club Leon's head coach, Eduardo Berizzo, discussed how the decision has affected the team's performance after the club lost to Cruz Azul. He stated:

The FIFA President cannot comment on a supposed replacement without waiting for the ruling. I think his words carry significant weight and he shouldnโ€™t have commented; he should have remained neutral until the CAS ruling.

The rules of competition of the 2025 Club World Cup declared that clubs owned by the same legal entity cannot compete. FIFA decided that Leon and the other Mexican clubs competing in the tournament belonged to the same ownership structure, but Berizzo has criticized FIFA for the lack of transparency. He said:

If the world were the way I wanted it to be, people like that wouldnโ€™t lead organisations like this. FIFA must demonstrate that it is an organisation of integrity, and it isnโ€™t. In the past, it hasnโ€™t been."

Not only with our elimination, but with all this, which involves a fix, a hidden interest to see which team goes, who doesnโ€™t , why teams go, why others leave or why you get eliminated. As long as thereโ€™s no clarity or transparency about that, theyโ€™ll always remain suspects."

We live in a football world, in organisations and institutions that, instead of representing transparency and setting an example for all citizens, increasingly make us suspicious and make us feel small in the face of whatโ€™s happening."

In a football world where everyone should feel supported, a part of, and proud to be a part of, sometimes you feel like running away.

Club Leon gaffer slams FIFA and Gianni Infantino over Club World Cup exclusion-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

The Leon boss also targeted his country's national association, the Mexican Football Federation. Berizzo claimed:

You feel treated unfairly; you feel part of a football system governed by individuals who work for subterranean interests that make decisions. It's very striking that the Mexican Football Federation hasn't said a word about this issue.

Read Also | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule

Next Article

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion

AFC president, Shaikh Salman, and Concacaf president, Victor Montagliani, have raised their voices against the proposal of expansion to a 64-team World Cup.

Apr 15, 2025, 11:11 AMโ€ข5 min read

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com

The controversy over the potential increase in the 2030 FIFA World Cup roster to 64 teams has gained momentum, with key football officials coming out to oppose it. The Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have joined forces against this controversial suggestion.

Concacaf chief Victor Montagliani has joined the increasing call to oppose the plan to increase the World Cup teams to 64, claiming increasing the number of teams "would not be the right move".

AFC president Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa also warned against the expansion to 64 teams and the โ€˜chaosโ€™ it could lead to, telling Agence France Press (AFP), โ€œPersonally, I donโ€™t agree."

AFC and CONCACAF Presidents show concerns over expansion

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez. (Image Source | X)

In March's FIFA Council, Uruguayan football chief Ignacio Alonso proposed expansion of the 2030 World Cup. FIFA later announced that it would study the proposal.

Since then, Conmebol president Alejandro Dominguez has been the frontrunning campaigner for an expansion to 64 teams. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been silent on the idea, but according to sources close to FIFA, he favours the plan and came up with it in the first place.

Conmebol have often been his path to market for alterations that he desires โ€“ the most stunning of these recently having been for a biennial World Cup cycle.

Last week, Dominguez supported a tournament extension from 48 teams to 64 teams in the 2030 World Cup as a once-off for the centenary celebrations for the global finals. Dominguez said:

We are convinced that the celebration of the centenary will be something unique, because it has only once been 100 years old. And for this reason, we are proposing, for one, to carry out this anniversary with 64 teams, across three simultaneous continents. So that all countries have the opportunity to live a world experience, and so that no one is left out of this party even if it is played everywhere, it is our party.

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President. (Image Source | X)

With Victor Montagliani joining the mounting anti-64-team World Cup campaign, he is joined by fellow FIFA vice presidents Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa (AFC president) and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

Following Infantino, they are the next three strongest political officials in the world governing body. Montagliani told ESPN:

At Concacaf, weโ€™ve shown that we are open to change by supporting the Womenโ€™s World Cup expansion and the continuous evolution of our Confederationโ€™s menโ€™s and womenโ€™s national team and club events,โ€

I donโ€™t believe expanding the menโ€™s World Cup to 64 teams is the right move for the tournament itself and the broader football ecosystem, from national teams to club competitions, leagues, and players.

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
AFC president Sheikh Salman and FIFA president Gianni Infantino in 2022. (Image Source | X)

Yesterday, AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa cautioned against expansion to 64 teams and the 'chaos' it might bring, telling Agence France-Presse: "Personally, I don't agree." He further stated:

If the question is open to amendment, then the door will not only be open to increasing the tournament to 64 teams,"

But somebody will come along and insist on increasing the amount to 132 teams. Where would we get to then? It would be chaos.

Even the president of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin, who also serves as FIFA vice president, joined the chorus of criticism. He stated:

It is not a good idea for the World Cup itself, and it's not a good idea for our qualifiers as well," 

I don't know where it came from, but it's odd that we didn't know anything prior to this proposal at the FIFA Council."

Future World Cups and logistical issues

AFC and CONCACAF Chiefs express concerns over 64-team World Cup expansion-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

Excitement is rising for the first-ever 48-team World Cup to be staged in 2026 by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This event is a huge rise from the traditional 32-team setup, and any further expansion to 64 would double matches to a mind-boggling 128. Contrary to this, the forthcoming 2026 event will host 104 matches to be staged in 16 host cities.

Read Also | FIFA World Cup 2026: Teams qualified so far

The logistical issues for the 2030 World Cup are already significant, with its games spread across three continents. Its initial host nations are Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, but Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina will be hosting the milestone opening games, marking a century since the tournament's first edition was held in Uruguay.

FIFA has yet to comment publicly on the feasibility of this proposal, although they did confirm their duty to consider it.

Read Also | FIFA dismisses Morocco's claims about Western Sahara in the 2030 FIFA World Cup bid assessment report

The proposal is expected to be a subject of debate at FIFA's upcoming 75th Congress, which takes place annually on May 15 in Paraguay's capital, Asunciรณn, which houses the headquarters of Conmebol. The congress agenda is yet to be published, but the plan for a 64-team World Cup will supposedly receive intense local lobbying in the backrooms and corridors of FIFA.

Next Article

Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil as potential head coach

Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus has denied the rumours about the negotiations to be appointed as the next head coach of the Brazil national football team.

Mar 31, 2025, 11:36 AMโ€ข3 min read

Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil as potential head coach-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | Al Hilal News)

Following the sacking of Dorival Junior as the head coach of the Brazil national team, a move that was prompted by the Selecao's significant 1-4 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, the media commenced speculations discussing potential replacements.

Besides Carlo Ancelotti, Jorge Jesus has also been named as a potential candidate. However, The 70-year-old Portuguese coach has responded to these rumours, denying any negotiation with CBF to be appointed as the next head coach of Brazil, discarding the possibility as of now.

Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil

Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil as potential head coach-sportzpoint.com
Jorge Jesus (Image Credit | AP)

In an interview with UOL, Jesus, who is currently at the helm of Saudi club Al-Hilal, assured that he has not been contacted by anyone from the Brazilian Football Federation. "No one has spoken to me, at least until today," he stated.

The 'Globo' network has indicated that Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus is the front-runner to become the head coach of the Brazilian national team.

The network also pointed out that Jorge Jesus is not keen to leave his position at Al-Hilal since he expects to stay with the Saudi Pro League side until the end of the AFC Champions League Elite, which concludes on May 3, 2025.

Further, the network added that Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was the initial choice; however, he is not ready to leave his present job before the end of the 2025 Club World Cup.

The Portuguese coach aims to lead Al-Hilal to triumph in the AFC Champions League Elite and might consider stepping down before the Club World Cup to assume the coaching duty at the Brazilian national team.

Jesus addressed his relationship with Neymar

Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil as potential head coach-sportzpoint.com
(Image Source | X)

Recent developments have witnessed prominent figures such as Carlo Ancelotti and Filipe Luis pulling out of contention as of now to take over the Brazil job, solidifying Jesus's position as the front-runner.

Read Also | Brazil wants to sign current Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti 

This development might be a hurdle for Neymar Jr, who reportedly had a strained relationship with the Portuguese coach. 

Their stint together at Al-Hilal was filled with challenges, ending with Neymar leaving Al-Hilal to join Santos under controversial circumstances after being informed that he was not part of Jesus's long-term vision for the team.

Jorge Jesus denies negotiations with Brazil as potential head coach-sportzpoint.com
Neymar Jr. (Image Source | The Athletic)

When asked on the 'Charla Podcast' about the possibility of reuniting with Jesus in the national setup, Neymar seemed visibly uncomfortable and opted to answer otherwise. "I have nothing to do with this. I'm just a player; don't involve me in this. I'm out," he stated.

However, Jorge Jesus opened up about his relationship with Neymar. In the interview with UOL. "I have no issues with Neymar, but no club or national team can depend on individual players," the coach said, dismissing any conflicting triggers.

Read Also | Brazil fail without Neymar: these stats prove that

The situation raises questions about Neymar's future with the national team and the possible impact of this appointment on the team's dynamics. However, Brazil seeks to bounce back from their recent stint of setbacks and appoint a coach who can lead the team to the coveted success with the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.

Next Article

FIFA considering play-off game to replace Club Leon at the Club World Cup 2025

FIFA is reportedly considering arranging a one-game play-off between LAFC and Club America to replace Club Leon, who were controversially removed from the tournament.

Mar 31, 2025, 10:21 AMโ€ข5 min read

FIFA considering play-off game to replace Club Leon at the Club World Cup 2025-sportzpoint.com

FIFA is reportedly considering the possibility of arranging a one-game play-off between Major League Soccer (MLS) club Los Angeles FC and Liga MX giants Club America to decide which team will represent the expelled Club Leon at the 2025 Club World Cup.  

A FIFA spokesperson disclosed on Sunday that the organization is actively weighing the feasibility of this play-off match, whereas the winner of this playoff would also receive $9.55 million in prize money given by FIFA to teams qualified from the Concacaf zone.

However, FIFA's consideration does not include the Costa Rican side Deportiva Alajuelense after the club lodged a complaint in 2024, which led to Leon's subsequent removal from the tournament.

Read Also | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Draw: Groups, Format, and Schedule

The controversial exclusion of Club Leon

Necaxa v Leon - Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX
(Image Credit | Getty Images)

Costa Rican outfit Alajuelenseโ€™s complaint regarding the multi-ownership issue initiated the investigation by the FIFA Appeal Committee back in November 2024, which eventually led to Club Leonโ€™s exclusion.

FIFA announced the decision to expel the Mexican side Club Leon from the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup 2025 last week due to the club's shared ownership with Pachuca, another team that competes in Mexico's top division, Liga MX.

Pachuca also qualified for the Club World Cup after winning the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, while Club Leon earned its qualification after clinching the 2023 edition of the same tournament. However, Grupo Pachuca owns both the teams and holds stakes in Spanish side Real Oviedo and some other clubs as well.

This joint ownership violated the multi-club ownership requirements defined under Article 10, paragraph 1 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Regulations outlined by FIFA.

FIFA is considering a play-off game to replace Leon

FIFA reportedly has two candidates to replace James Rodriguez's Club Leon  in 2025 Club World Cup - World Soccer Talk
Olivier Giroud, LAFC striker (on the left) and Brian Rodrรญguez, Club America winger (on the right).

According to different sources, FIFA is considering an unconventional approach to organize a single play-off game to determine which team would replace Club Leon in the competition.

Renowned football journalist Ben Jacobs has indicated a showdown between Club America and Los Angeles FC is on the cards, with the winner securing the coveted last place in the Group D, consisting of Chelsea, Flamengo, and Esperance.

The FIFA spokesperson stated the following on Sunday:

LAFC would participate as runner-up to Club Lรฉon in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League through which Club Lรฉon had qualified, Club Amรฉrica would participate as the top-ranked team in the FIFA Club World Cup confederation ranking through which qualification is also determined.

The winner of the play-off would qualify unless legal proceedings rule otherwise.

The plans to commence the process of arranging a play-off will begin if Club Leon loses their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to be reinstated to the Club World Cup.

CAS has called for a hearing on April 23 in Madrid, Spain, where Leon and Deportiva Alajuelense both will be presented the opportunity to put forward their arguments. Alajuelense had previously filed the complaint at CAS, asserting that Leรณn's inclusion was against FIFA regulations as they have also claimed a spot in the tournament instead.

Read Also | Costa Rican side Deportiva Alajuelense demand Club World Cup spot following Club Leon's exclusion

Both clubs must submit their legal documents by April 2, prior to the hearing on the 23rd. Any announcements concerning a possible substitute will likely not be made until the legal issues are settled.

"I think it's a grave injustice": James Rodriguez expressed his disappointment

James Rodriguez. (Image Source | Fanzword)

The exclusion of Club Leon has heavily affected the Mexican side's talisman player, the Colombian star James Rodriguez. The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich midfielder did not hesitate to express his disappointment regarding this decision. He said:

I think it's a grave injustice. We all believe that. We won on the pitch. The club and the players are hurt by this. If we're out, it's not fair. The team that would replace us would be stained, and football would be stained.

So many fans have planned to travel to the tournament; how do you tell them that they can't go? I have a lot of questions about all this. It's odd. I think FIFA has to get their things together. Football is stained by this. 

If we deserve it, we will be there' - Club Amรฉrica's coach Andrรฉ Jardine  discusses taking Leรณn's spot in the FIFA Club World Cup | Goal.com India
Andre Jardine. (Image Credit | GOAL)

ESPN revealed that when asked about qualifying for the tournament, Club Amรฉrica head coach Andre Jardine assured his team's eagerness to earn the spot by battling on the field. According to him:

Leรณn should go to the Club World Cup. I'm sad for the institution, and I'd like them to find a solution so they can go,

"If it doesn't happen, then Amรฉrica has been doing things well for a long time. It's true that they haven't yet won the Concacaf Champions Cup, which is a dream of ours and a very clear objective.

"We're leading most of the Mexican tournaments and the Concacaf ranking, which is one of the criteria. If you ask me if I want to go to the Club World Cup, of course it's true, but I'd like to go to the Club World Cup by achieving it on the field. That's what we're working towards.

However, nothing has been finalized yet, and FIFA will also have to wait until the CAS hearing is able to curve out any solutionary measure. 

Read Also | FIFA announce Club World Cup 2025 prize money: USD 1 billion pool, winner to get record USD 125 million

Next Article

Latest Stories

Subscribe Newsletter

Get the latest sports updates and news delivered directly to your inbox.