FIFA have released the rankings of the men’s international teams after the September international break that consisted of the World Cup qualifiers being played across all continents.
The most notable climbs among the top 50 came from IR Iran (22, + 4), Russia (37, + 4), Norway (39, + 4), Scotland (45, + 4) and Northern Ireland (47, + 4).
However, it is below 50th place that we see the best progressions in this edition, namely those of Libya (110, + 12), Canada (51, + 8), Liberia (144, + 6), Malta (171, + 6), Panama (68, + 6), Bulgaria (70, + 5) and Saudi Arabia (56, + 5).
Special mention has to go to Kosovo (109, + 6) who, having beaten Georgia (1-0) and held Greece (1-1), climbed to 109th place and an all-time high.
Here is the list of the top ten countries in the world right now:
- Belgium
- Brazil
- England
- France
- Italy
- Argentina
- Portugal
- Spain
- Mexico
- Denmark
England have climbed into the top three of the world rankings for the first time in nine years. On the other hand, Denmark have climbed up into the top ten countries in the world, and their performance in the recent qualifiers is a reflection of their rise.
Germany claimed two positions but still find themselves in 14th while the USMNT falls by three places to 13th.
Argentina and Italy still find themselves in the same place as they were after winning their continental competitions. On the other hand, Mexico maintain their position in the top ten from the rankings released in August.
