Top 10 footballing nations in FIFA’s 2022 rankings

FIFA have announced the ranking of national teams for 2022, and as always, we have a number of surprises. In this article, we are taking a look at the top ten teams in FIFA’s rankings this year. 

FIFA’s top 10 national teams for 2022 

10. Netherlands – 1653.73 points 

The Dutch have managed to earn automatic qualification to the 2022 World Cup, after missing out in 2018. With the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Matthijs De Ligt, Frenkie de Jong and Memphis Depay among their ranks, it is easy to see why they have made it into the top ten. 

9. Denmark – 1654.54 points 

Having secured automatic qualification into the 2022 World Cup, and progressing into the semi-final of the Euros, Denmark have emerged as a top team in the last year. They have a number of exciting young players, as well as experienced veterans that have the ability to pull off another surprise in Qatar. 

8. Portugal – 1660.25 points 

Alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal have stars like Diogo Jota, Bruno Fernandes, Renato Sanches and Ruben Dias. But, they have been unable to secure automatic qualification into the FIFA World Cup. They will have to battle it out in the qualifiers to earn a spot next year. 

7. Spain – 1704.75 points 

Spain are currently in a transition phase, where new young players are breaking into the squad. They managed to earn qualification into the FIFA World Cup with ease, and could really spring up a surprise in Qatar. 

6. Italy – 1740.77 points 

The Euro 2020 Champions could miss out on the World Cup if they don’t get the qualifiers right. They also failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and will be required to fight hard to make it into the tournament. Roberto Mancini has transformed the team remarkably, and making it to the World Cup would make his managerial spell that much more successful. 

5. England – 1755.52 points

The Euro 2020 finalists rank just above the winners, and have an unlimited number of exciting players waiting to be selected. After showing off their capabilities in the Euros, they can be a big favorite to win the World Cup at the end of the year. 

4. Argentina – 1766.99 points

The Copa America 2020 winners have earned 16.48 points in the last one month. They have earned automatic qualification into the World Cup as well, and are unbeaten in their last 28 games. The dependence on Lionel Messi is finally gone, and they finally have a complete team that can attack and defend. 

3. France – 1786.15 points 

The 2018 World Cup winners and Nations League champions are in the top three of the rankings this year. They have a world-class squad that is more than capable of defending their World Cup crown, something that has not been done in over 50 years. 

2. Brazil – 1823.42 points 

Brazil are at the top of the CONMEBOL qualification table, despite losing to Argentina in the Copa America. And with the likes of Vinicius Jr, Neymar, Ederson and Alisson in the team, they could add yet another World Cup trophy to their long list of achievements in Qatar. 

1. Belgium – 1828.45 points 

Despite not winning a trophy for years, Belgium remain at the top of the rankings. The likes of Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois would, on paper, be favourites to win the World Cup. But, they haven’t been able to deliver in big tournaments, and this might be the last chance for the golden generation to have something to show for their capabilities.