September 17 – In the first set of FIFA rankings since the Coronavirus pandemic suspended fixtures globally in March, Belgium have retained their position at the top with Portugal moving into the top five following this month’s Nations League fixtures.
In September, international football returned with the Nations League in the European zone. National team play hasn’t yet resumed in other confederations due to the health crisis and as such the impact of the Nations League’s matches on the ranking was marginal.
The top four remain unchanged with Roberto Martinez’s team consolidating their top spot following routine wins against both Denmark and Iceland.
The Belgians are followed by world champions France in second place, Brazil in third and England in fourth.
Reigning European champions Portugal moved into fifth spot after impressive victories against both Croatia and Sweden. Further down the table, Spain, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands all moved a spot up.
The next FIFA ranking is expected to reflect the return of the international game with more movements. In October, African teams will resume action with various camps and friendlies planned in European venues while, for now, CONMEBOL has maintained the fixtures list for next month’s World Cup qualifiers in South America.
See the full ranking at https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1735355241labto1735355241ofdlr1735355241owedi1735355241sni@o1735355241fni1735355241