Updated FIFA rankings: France FALL as Argentina and Spain RISE

France have fallen down the FIFA rankings, while Spain have risen up after two dramatic World Cup semi-finals.

The red-hot French were brought back down to earth in ice-cold fashion after Spain secured a 2-0 victory to book their place in the FIFA World Cup final.

Meanwhile, defending champions Argentina edged England 2-1 in the second semi-final to join La Roja in Sunday’s showpiece at MetLife Stadium.

FRANCE DROP TO THIRD AFTER FIFA WORLD CUP EXIT

France have fallen from first to third in the latest FIFA Rankings following their semi-final defeat to Spain.

Initially, Spain replaced Les Bleus as the world’s No. 1-ranked nation after Tuesday’s victory. However, Argentina’s win over England saw the reigning world champions leapfrog both Spain and France to reclaim top spot.

Meanwhile, Spain climbed to second after reaching the FIFA World Cup final. Consequently, France dropped two places to third following their elimination.

Ultimately, the winners of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final will finish the tournament as the world’s No 1-ranked nation.

In addition to lifting football’s most prestigious trophy, the champions will also receive a record $50 million reward from FIFA.

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NOTEWORTHY CHANGES IN THE TOP 20 AS CO-HOSTS CLIMB AND NORWAY SOAR

Belgium climbed one place from ninth to eighth after reaching the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Mexico jumped four places from 14th to 10th after reaching the Round of 16. The co-hosts won all three of their group-stage matches without conceding a goal before their campaign came to an end.

Elsewhere, Portugal dropped two places from fifth to seventh following a disappointing tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in the group stage before playing out a goalless draw against Colombia. Portugal’s campaign then ended with a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, Morocco climbed one place from seventh to sixth after becoming Africa’s last remaining nation. The Atlas Lions reached the quarter-finals before suffering a 2-0 defeat to France.

Brazil also climbed one place from sixth to fifth despite being eliminated by Norway in the Round of 16.

Finally, Norway were the biggest climbers in the latest rankings, soaring 12 places from 31st to 19th after reaching the quarter-finals. Their remarkable run included a memorable victory over Brazil before England ended their campaign with a 2-1 win in the last eight.

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UPDATED FIFA RANKINGS: TOP 20