September 15 – The latest FIFA national team rankings shows some significant changes after an international fixture schedule that saw 61 qualifiers played for World Cup Russia 2018, and a further 26 matches in continental qualifying competitions.
Argentina still top the ranking with Belgium clinging on to second spot, but Brazil, fired up by their emotional Olympic gold medal and by new coach Tite, climbed to joint fourth place with Colombia, who they beat in World Cup 2018 qualifying last week. Brazil also beat Ecuador in qualifying.
The dismal summer of their Copa America Centenario performances in the US now seem a long way away.
Elsewhere in the ranking both Uruguay and Wales broke into the top 10 at the expense of traditional European powerhouses Spain (down to 11th) and Italy (down to 13th).
Scotland (44, up 7), Australia (45, up 12), Greece (48, up 4), and Uzbekistan (49, up 6) all broke into the top 50.
The biggest move in the rankings was by Bolivia who jumped 35 places to 75th. The biggest ranking drop was by the Central African Republic (down 35 place to 122).
Kosovo, in World Cup qualifying for the first time and winning a point with a draw in their first game, moved up 22 places to 168th. That rise can be expected to continue as more ‘exiles’ playing for other nations join their ranks.
Gibraltar, ranked for the first time, come in at 205th.
FIFA World Rankings (men) Top 10
See the full rankings at http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/index.html
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