How the FIFA Ranking Works and Why It Matters

7 months back Diego 7 minutes reading time

THE FIFA rankings It's not just a list of teams, it's a thermometer of global football power, influencing everything from tournament draws to the prestige of nations.

But how can a mathematical algorithm capture the complexity of the most popular sport on the planet?

And why does it generate so much debate among experts and fans?

In this article, we'll unravel the mechanics behind the points system, explore its impact on competitions like the World Cup, and analyze how teams like Argentina and Morocco have surprised the world with their recent rises.

Furthermore, the ranking can also influence coaching decisions and squad formation, as ranking position can affect teams' confidence.

With the growing globalization of football, clubs and national teams are increasingly paying attention to the dynamics of this ranking and how it can affect their strategies.

Ultimately, the FIFA rankings reflect not only on-field performance, but also the social and cultural changes impacting world football.

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The Gears of the System: How Are Points Calculated?

THE FIFA rankings is based on a scoring model that evaluates performances in official games.

Since 2018, the entity has adopted the “Elo Rating”, a method also used in chess, which considers:

• Match result (victory, draw or defeat);
• Opponent's strength (beating the current world champion is worth more than beating a team from the top 50);
• Importance of competition (a friendly has less weight than a World Cup knockout stage);
• Goal margin (goals increase the score, but with a limit on impact).

Therefore, this system allows teams that frequently play against strong opponents to have the chance to accumulate points more quickly.

Furthermore, the formula was designed so that the score reflects not only results, but also the quality of wins and losses.

Thus, the ranking becomes a tool that, although complex, seeks to offer a more accurate view of the world football scene.

Table 1: Weight of Games in the FIFA Ranking

Game Type	Points Multiplier
World cup	x4
Continental Qualifiers	x3
Friendly	x1

Example 1: In 2022, Saudi Arabia earned an extra 2.4 points for beating Argentina in their World Cup opener – a result that shook the FIFA rankings and proved that zebras can have mathematical consequences.

This victory not only impacted Saudi Arabia's standing, but also had a domino effect on the rankings of other teams.

Therefore, each match has the potential to significantly alter the ranking landscape, reflecting the dynamic nature of football.

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Why Ranking Matters More Than You Think

Besides being a vanity ranking, the system has practical implications:

1. Tournament Group Draw – Selections are distributed into pots based on the FIFA rankings, preventing, for example, Brazil and France from falling into the same group in the initial phase.
2. Reputation and Sponsorships – Well-ranked teams attract investment and consolidate their brands in the sports market.
3. Criteria for Guests at World Cups – In 2022, Qatar entered as host, but in past editions, invitations were based on ranking positions.

These dynamics show that the ranking is not just a classification tool, but also a factor that can determine the financial success and visibility of a team.

Furthermore, participation in international competitions can boost the development of football in less traditional countries, promoting a virtuous cycle of growth.

Relevant Data: In 2023, the Moroccan national team reached 11th place – the highest placing by an African team in history.

Proof of how consistent performances (like their 4th place finish in the 2022 World Cup) revolutionize the scene.

For more information on the impact of the ranking, you can visit the FIFA website here.

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Controversies and Limitations: Does the Ranking Reflect Reality?

Mathematical criteria do not always capture nuances.

In 2021, Belgium went three years as leaders without winning any major titles – a paradox that led many to question the system.

Analogy: THE FIFA rankings It's like a GPS that calculates routes based on past data, but doesn't predict future traffic jams.

It measures achievements, but not intangibles like “team morale” or strategic injuries.

This raises the question of how fair a system can be if it does not take into account factors that influence on-field performance.

Example 2: In 2023, Canada dropped 12 places after a poor run in the Concacaf Qualifiers, showing how the system quickly punishes teams in poor form.

This rapidity of change may be a reflection of the competitive nature of modern football, where every game counts.

Table 2: The 5 Biggest Ranking Surprises (2020-2023)

Selection	Highest Position	Key Factor
Morocco	11th (2023)	Historic campaign in the 2022 World Cup
Canada	33rd (2022)	Qualifying for the World Cup after 36 years
Ukraine	27th (2021)	Solid UEFA Qualifying Campaign

These surprises demonstrate that football is a sport full of ups and downs, where unpredictability is a constant.

Therefore, the ranking should be seen as a useful, but not definitive, tool for evaluating the performance of the teams.

See also: All About the FIFA Club World Cup: Regulations, Teams and Prizes

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The Future of Ranking: Trends and Possible Reforms

FIFA has already adjusted the model several times, and new changes may arise.

Some proposals include:

• Include performance in youth categories (under-20, under-17);
• Increase the weight of continental competitions (such as the Euro Cup and the Copa América);
• Reduce the influence of friendlies, as many teams use test games to experiment with lineups.

These changes could make the ranking more representative of the current reality of football, better reflecting the performance of teams at different levels.

Furthermore, the inclusion of youth teams could encourage talent development and promote greater integration between the main teams and their respective youth teams.

Rhetorical question: If football is unpredictable, how can an algorithm be fair?

This question is central to the debate about the effectiveness of the ranking and what can be done to make it more representative.

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Conclusion: Much More Than the Numbers

THE FIFA rankings It is an indispensable tool for organizing the chaos of international football, but it is not infallible.

It rewards consistency, but it also generates distortions.

In the end, what really matters is the emotion of the game – and no system can measure that.

This emotion is what moves fans and players, making football one of the most passionate sports in the world.

And you, do you think the current method is fair or does it need radical reforms?

Comment!