BERLIN, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Germany slipped from ninth to 12th in FIFA's latest men's world rankings released Thursday, adding to the pressure on the four-time World Cup winner. Northern Ireland is level with Germany on three points, while Luxembourg sits bottom. Only the group winner will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, with the runner-up facing the playoffs. Reigning European champion Spain climbed into first place in the FIFA rankings for the first time in 11 years, overtaking France. 2022 World Cup winner Argentina sits third.