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Portugal Climbs to Fifth in Latest FIFA World Rankings

by EditorOctober 8, 202602

Portugal Climbs to Fifth in Latest FIFA World Rankings

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Portugal has moved into the top five of the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings, climbing two places to fifth position following an impressive run during the recent international window.

The updated rankings were released on Wednesday, with Portugal the only team among the top 10 to improve its position. Brazil and Morocco each slipped one place after both teams ended the international period with draws in friendly matches.

Portugal’s rise was helped by four victories in the UEFA Nations League. The team defeated Norway twice and also secured wins against Wales and Denmark.

Spain continues to occupy the number one position after strengthening its lead at the top. The newly crowned World Cup champions won all four of their Nations League matches during the latest international window, including victories over England, Croatia and the Czech Republic.

Argentina retained second place after defeating Benin 3-0 on Tuesday. The match was also Lionel Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, according to the report.

France remained third, while England completed the top four.

Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico occupy the remaining positions in the top 10.

The United States stayed at 16th despite enjoying a perfect international window. The US team won all four of its matches, defeating Peru 4-1, Chile 4-2, Mexico 3-0 and Canada 1-0.

Rwanda recorded the biggest improvement in the latest rankings. The African side climbed nine places to 119th after a 2-1 victory over Cape Verde in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on September 29.

Sierra Leone suffered the largest drop, falling eight places to 130th after losing both of its Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

FIFA’s next men’s world ranking update is scheduled for November 18, 2026.

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Jon Rahm to Leave LIV Golf Over Unacceptable Contract Terms Former world number one Jon Rahm is set to leave LIV Golf after rejecting the proposed terms for the league’s planned relaunch, according to his lawyer. Rahm’s decision is a major setback for LIV Golf as the Saudi-backed competition works on a new structure following its recent bankruptcy filing and efforts to secure fresh investment. The Spanish golfer was among the biggest names to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, joining the breakaway circuit alongside stars such as Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson. During a hearing at the US Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey on Wednesday, Rahm’s lawyer John Beck said his client had reviewed the proposed terms for what has been referred to as “LIV 2.0” and found them unacceptable. Beck said Rahm would not take part in the revamped competition under the current terms. He added that discussions between Rahm and LIV Golf over a possible separation agreement were already underway. According to the lawyer, the parties hope to present an agreement to the court next month. If a settlement cannot be reached, Rahm intends to continue his objection through legal proceedings. LIV Golf did not immediately comment on Rahm’s decision. The league was launched in 2022 and quickly changed the professional golf landscape by attracting several leading players with lucrative contracts. Its emergence created significant tensions between LIV Golf and the established PGA Tour. LIV Golf later sought bankruptcy protection after its Middle Eastern financial backers withdrew their support. Court documents indicate that the organisation has estimated liabilities of between $500 million and $1 billion involving at least 1,000 creditors. Rahm, DeChambeau and Johnson are among the players listed as having some of the largest unsecured claims against the organisation, with each owed more than $5 million in immediate past-due payments, according to the bankruptcy filing. Despite the financial difficulties, LIV Golf is preparing for a possible return in 2027. New lead investor BC Partners Credit has committed an initial potential investment of $300 million to support the planned relaunch. LIV officials have also discussed a shorter competition schedule and lower prize funds, with events expected to be staged across several countries and continents, including Australia, South Africa, Mexico, England, Hong Kong and the United States. Rahm’s future plans remain unclear, although he continues to compete on the DP World Tour in Europe. He recently confirmed that he would miss the upcoming Spanish Open because he plans to be present for the birth of his fourth child. There have also been reports linking several LIV Golf players with possible returns to the PGA Tour. However, the PGA Tour has indicated that it currently has no plans to create a pathway for LIV players to return.

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