Spain have returned to the summit of the FIFA men's world rankings after defeating Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final to secure their second world title. Luis de la Fuente's side climbed back to no. 1 for the first time since January after Ferran Torres scored the decisive extra-time winner in New Jersey, sealing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina. The defending champions, who entered the final as the world's top-ranked team, dropped to second following the defeat.&nbsp;France maintained third place in the latest rankings despite finishing fourth at the World Cup after losing to England in the third-place playoff. England remained fourth after edging France 6-4 in a high-scoring contest to finish the tournament on a positive note. Brazil moved up one position to fifth, while Morocco continued their remarkable rise in world football by reaching a record-high sixth place. The Atlas Lions' impressive World Cup campaign further strengthened their status among the world's elite national teams.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-why-rodri-won-the-fifa-world-cup-golden-ball-over-lionel-messi-1784578361334">Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi</a>&nbsp;Portugal slipped two places to seventh after being eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16. Belgium climbed to eighth, swapping positions with the Netherlands, who dropped to ninth. Mexico entered the top 10 after climbing four places thanks to their Round of 16 appearance. Norway recorded the biggest jump among the leading nations, rising 12 places to 19th after reaching the World Cup quarterfinals, the country's best tournament performance in decades.&nbsp;Germany endured another disappointing drop, falling out of the top 10 to 12th, just behind Croatia in 11th. Italy, who failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, slipped to 15th in the standings. Further down the rankings, Tunisia suffered the biggest decline, dropping 12 places to 57th after an early group-stage exit. Egypt climbed five places to 24th after advancing to the Round of 16, while Paraguay moved up seven spots to 34th following their impressive knockout-stage qualification.&nbsp;Cabo Verde also continued their remarkable rise after reaching the Round of 32, climbing three places to 64th. Ghana enjoyed one of the biggest improvements in the rankings, moving up eight spots to 65th after progressing beyond the group stage. Spain's return to the top of the FIFA rankings highlights their dominance following a successful World Cup campaign, while several nations reshaped the global standings with memorable performances throughout the tournament.

Spain climbed to no. 1 in the latest FIFA men's rankings after defeating Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final. Morocco reached a record-high sixth, while Germany dropped out of the top 10 and Mexico returned to the top 10

Spain have returned to the summit of the FIFA men's world rankings after defeating Argentina in the FIFA World Cup final to secure their second world title. Luis de la Fuente's side climbed back to no. 1 for the first time since January after Ferran Torres scored the decisive extra-time winner in New Jersey, sealing a dramatic 1-0 victory over Argentina. The defending champions, who entered the final as the world's top-ranked team, dropped to second following the defeat. France maintained third place in the latest rankings despite finishing fourth at the World Cup after losing to England in the third-place playoff. England remained fourth after edging France 6-4 in a high-scoring contest to finish the tournament on a positive note. Brazil moved up one position to fifth, while Morocco continued their remarkable rise in world football by reaching a record-high sixth place. The Atlas Lions' impressive World Cup campaign further strengthened their status among the world's elite national teams. Also Read: Explained: Why Rodri won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball over Lionel Messi Portugal slipped two places to seventh after being eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the Round of 16. Belgium climbed to eighth, swapping positions with the Netherlands, who dropped to ninth. Mexico entered the top 10 after climbing four places thanks to their Round of 16 appearance. Norway recorded the biggest jump among the leading nations, rising 12 places to 19th after reaching the World Cup quarterfinals, the country's best tournament performance in decades. Germany endured another disappointing drop, falling out of the top 10 to 12th, just behind Croatia in 11th. Italy, who failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, slipped to 15th in the standings. Further down the rankings, Tunisia suffered the biggest decline, dropping 12 places to 57th after an early group-stage exit. Egypt climbed five places to 24th after advancing to the Round of 16, while Paraguay moved up seven spots to 34th following their impressive knockout-stage qualification. Cabo Verde also continued their remarkable rise after reaching the Round of 32, climbing three places to 64th. Ghana enjoyed one of the biggest improvements in the rankings, moving up eight spots to 65th after progressing beyond the group stage. Spain's return to the top of the FIFA rankings highlights their dominance following a successful World Cup campaign, while several nations reshaped the global standings with memorable performances throughout the tournament.

Spain has reclaimed the FIFA no. 1 ranking after winning the FIFA World Cup, while Argentina slipped to second and Morocco reached a historic sixth

New FIFA rankings revealed: Spain rise to no. 1, Argentina drop to second. Check where your team stands

Women's World Cup winners Spain have moved to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time, displacing Sweden from the number one spot, world soccer's governing body said on Friday. The world champions are only the fourth team to reach the summit of the rankings after the United States, Germany and Sweden.

Spain beat England in the World Cup final in August, moving up four spots to second. But they have finally clinched top spot following a string of impressive performances in the UEFA Women's Nations League.

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Spain topped their group with five wins -- including a double over Sweden -- to qualify for the Nations League Finals which will take place in February, when they will face the Netherlands in the semis.

The U.S. moved up to second in the rankings and are followed by France in third spot. France also qualified for the Nations League Finals where they will face Germany in the other semi-final.

European champions England, who missed out on a Paris Olympics berth, are fourth while Sweden have dropped to fifth after they finished third in their Nations League group with just two wins in six games.

The number of teams in the women's rankings also grew to a record 192 nations with the introduction of Central African Republic and Macau while North Korea (ninth), American Samoa, Madagascar and Bahamas reappear on the list.

Women's World Cup winners Spain have moved to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time, displacing Sweden from the number one spot, world soccer's governing body said on Friday.

Women's World Cup winners Spain have moved to the top of the FIFA rankings for the first time, displacing Sweden from the number one spot, world soccer's governing body said on Friday. The world champions are only the fourth team to reach the summit of the rankings after the United States, Germany and Sweden. Spain beat England in the World Cup final in August, moving up four spots to second. But they have finally clinched top spot following a string of impressive performances in the UEFA Women's Nations League. ALSO READ: Top Australian swimmers opt out of Doha world championships Spain topped their group with five wins -- including a double over Sweden -- to qualify for the Nations League Finals which will take place in February, when they will face the Netherlands in the semis. The U.S. moved up to second in the rankings and are followed by France in third spot. France also qualified for the Nations League Finals where they will face Germany in the other semi-final. European champions England, who missed out on a Paris Olympics berth, are fourth while Sweden have dropped to fifth after they finished third in their Nations League group with just two wins in six games. The number of teams in the women's rankings also grew to a record 192 nations with the introduction of Central African Republic and Macau while North Korea (ninth), American Samoa, Madagascar and Bahamas reappear on the list.

Spain claim top spot in Women’s FIFA rankings for first time

World champions Argentina strengthened their grip at the top of the FIFA world rankings in the latest list on Thursday, with the top five remaining unchanged after the international break. Argentina, who dethroned Brazil at the summit in April, remained top after beating Ecuador and Bolivia in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers earlier this month.

Second-placed France, who lost to Germany in a friendly last week, retained second place followed by Brazil (third), England (fourth) and Belgium (fifth). Portugal were the only team in the top 10 to climb a spot, moving up to eighth, while Italy dropped one place to ninth after a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-world-cup-captain-michele-lamaro-lauds-italys-second-half-comeback-against-uruguay-638207">Rugby World Cup: Captain Michele Lamaro lauds Italy's second-half comeback against Uruguay</a>

Croatia (sixth), Netherlands (seventh) and Spain (10th) complete the top 10, while Morocco (13th), Colombia (16th), Denmark (18th) and Japan (19th) all moved up a place.

The top 20-ranked nations:

1 - Argentina

2 - France

3 - Brazil

4 - England

5 - Belgium

6 - Croatia

7 - Netherlands

8 - Portugal

9 - Italy

10 - Spain

11 - United States

12 - Mexico

13 - Morocco

14 - Switzerland

15 - Germany

16 - Colombia

17 - Uruguay

18 - Denmark

19 - Japan

20 - Senegal

World champions Argentina strengthened their grip at the top of the FIFA world rankings in the latest list on Thursday, with the top five remaining unchanged after the international break.

World champions Argentina strengthened their grip at the top of the FIFA world rankings in the latest list on Thursday, with the top five remaining unchanged after the international break. Argentina, who dethroned Brazil at the summit in April, remained top after beating Ecuador and Bolivia in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers earlier this month. Second-placed France, who lost to Germany in a friendly last week, retained second place followed by Brazil (third), England (fourth) and Belgium (fifth). Portugal were the only team in the top 10 to climb a spot, moving up to eighth, while Italy dropped one place to ninth after a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. Also read: Rugby World Cup: Captain Michele Lamaro lauds Italy's second-half comeback against Uruguay Croatia (sixth), Netherlands (seventh) and Spain (10th) complete the top 10, while Morocco (13th), Colombia (16th), Denmark (18th) and Japan (19th) all moved up a place. The top 20-ranked nations: 1 - Argentina 2 - France 3 - Brazil 4 - England 5 - Belgium 6 - Croatia 7 - Netherlands 8 - Portugal 9 - Italy 10 - Spain 11 - United States 12 - Mexico 13 - Morocco 14 - Switzerland 15 - Germany 16 - Colombia 17 - Uruguay 18 - Denmark 19 - Japan 20 - Senegal

World champions Argentina retain top position in FIFA world rankings

The Indian men's football team has been handed a major boost in their pursuit for a place in the 2026 World Cup qualification after FIFA released the latest rankings on Thursday, June 29. The team coached by Igor Stimac is now ranked 100th in the world while they have also improved significantly in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rankings which will have a massive impact on India’s place in the draw of the World Cup qualifiers. Led by Sunil Chhetri in the final, India won the Intercontinental Cup earlier in the month having got the better of Lebanon.

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Steadily we rise 📈💪🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> ⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/Zul4v3CYdG">pic.twitter.com/Zul4v3CYdG</a>
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<h2>Massive boost for India</h2>

As per the latest standings, India’s win over Lebanon had huge consequences as they now are likely to occupy the second spot in the draws for the second round of FIFA qualifiers. India currently are 18th in the AFC rankings which will see them avoid all the teams from pot two. On the contrary, they will be the second-seeded side in the final groups of qualifiers.

India won five while drawing two matches in June which included the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championships. India could also better their rankings before the draw takes place later in July if they win the SAFF Championships.

<h2>Why is it a boost for India in qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?</h2>

As things stand, the second round of qualification will see nine groups of four teams each with the top two teams making the third round. Since India will avoid all the pot number two teams and will have only one pot one team in their group, they will get a significantly favoured group in the second round. India will be expected to finish as group runners-up at minimum.

If this is the case, India will qualify for round three, which will see them get a step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While it will be a tall order, a top-two finish in the third round will see India qualify for the World Cup. While they could also make the playoffs in case they fail to seal direct qualification.

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<h2>Numbers game</h2>

The Blue Tigers gained 4.24 ranking points after five wins and two draws in June which has seen them boost their qualification campaign. India are currently 3.16 points in advantage of Lebanon after India beat them in the Intercontinental Cup final. The result had huge consequences on both India’s FIFA as well as AFC Rankings.

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The Indian men's football team has been handed a major boost in their pursuit for a place in the 2026 World Cup qualification after FIFA released the latest rankings on Thursday, June 29.

The Indian men's football team has been handed a major boost in their pursuit for a place in the 2026 World Cup qualification after FIFA released the latest rankings on Thursday, June 29. The team coached by Igor Stimac is now ranked 100th in the world while they have also improved significantly in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) rankings which will have a massive impact on India’s place in the draw of the World Cup qualifiers. Led by Sunil Chhetri in the final, India won the Intercontinental Cup earlier in the month having got the better of Lebanon. 🇮🇳 move up to 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ in the latest FIFA Men’s World Ranking 👏🏽 Steadily we rise 📈💪🏽#IndianFootball ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Zul4v3CYdG — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 29, 2023 × Massive boost for India As per the latest standings, India’s win over Lebanon had huge consequences as they now are likely to occupy the second spot in the draws for the second round of FIFA qualifiers. India currently are 18th in the AFC rankings which will see them avoid all the teams from pot two. On the contrary, they will be the second-seeded side in the final groups of qualifiers. India won five while drawing two matches in June which included the Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championships. India could also better their rankings before the draw takes place later in July if they win the SAFF Championships. Why is it a boost for India in qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? As things stand, the second round of qualification will see nine groups of four teams each with the top two teams making the third round. Since India will avoid all the pot number two teams and will have only one pot one team in their group, they will get a significantly favoured group in the second round. India will be expected to finish as group runners-up at minimum. If this is the case, India will qualify for round three, which will see them get a step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While it will be a tall order, a top-two finish in the third round will see India qualify for the World Cup. While they could also make the playoffs in case they fail to seal direct qualification. ALSO READ | Kylian Mbappe and France teammates raise concern after police kills teenager during traffic check Numbers game The Blue Tigers gained 4.24 ranking points after five wins and two draws in June which has seen them boost their qualification campaign. India are currently 3.16 points in advantage of Lebanon after India beat them in the Intercontinental Cup final. The result had huge consequences on both India’s FIFA as well as AFC Rankings. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FIFA Rankings: India gain massive boost in 2026 WC qualification campaign, enter top 100 after stellar June

Lionel Messi’s Argentina have reached the top of the summit in the latest FIFA Rankings having won the World Cup in Qatar in December. The team has also started 2023 on a high with an unbeaten run so far while their success in Qatar was a primary reason for reaching the top. The latest rankings saw the South American side return to the top after six years as they leapfrogged Kylian Mbappe’s France.

<h2>Argentina’s impressive run</h2>

While the three-time World champions won two friendlies last month, it was their South American counterparts Brazil who lost and paved way for them to reach the top. Argentina’s two wins in friendlies last month ended the one-year run at the top for Brazil, which lost at Morocco 2-1 and fell to No. 3.

2018 World champions France, are second in the standings having started their Euro 2024 qualifier on the front foot. France won back-to-back European Championship qualifiers against the Netherlands and Ireland.

Brazil are third in the rank as they will try to improve their position in the World Cup qualifiers for 2026. Brazil are also likely to pursue Carlo Ancelotti as their manager with him keen on the job according to some reports. Belgium are at No. 4, with England next after two wins including beating Italy.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-updated-points-table-gt-remain-atop-after-pbks-edge-past-rr-in-a-thriller-579770">IPL 2023 Updated points table: GT remain atop after PBKS edge past RR in a thriller</a>

<h2>Elsewhere in the globe</h2>

The top 10 includes only two South American sides while the rest are all European Nations. World Cup surprise package Morocco are the highest placed African nation and are 11th in the standings, USA are the highest ranked North American side and reside at 13th place. Japan are 20th in the latest rankings and remain the highest-ranked side from Asia.

Interestingly, the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar are 61st in the rankings while on the flip side European champions Italy are 8th.

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Lionel Messi’s Argentina have reached the top of the summit in the latest FIFA Rankings having won the World Cup in Qatar in December. The team has also started 2023 on a high with an unbeaten run so far while their success in Qatar was a primary reason for reaching the top.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina have reached the top of the summit in the latest FIFA Rankings having won the World Cup in Qatar in December. The team has also started 2023 on a high with an unbeaten run so far while their success in Qatar was a primary reason for reaching the top. The latest rankings saw the South American side return to the top after six years as they leapfrogged Kylian Mbappe’s France. Argentina’s impressive run While the three-time World champions won two friendlies last month, it was their South American counterparts Brazil who lost and paved way for them to reach the top. Argentina’s two wins in friendlies last month ended the one-year run at the top for Brazil, which lost at Morocco 2-1 and fell to No. 3. 2018 World champions France, are second in the standings having started their Euro 2024 qualifier on the front foot. France won back-to-back European Championship qualifiers against the Netherlands and Ireland. Brazil are third in the rank as they will try to improve their position in the World Cup qualifiers for 2026. Brazil are also likely to pursue Carlo Ancelotti as their manager with him keen on the job according to some reports. Belgium are at No. 4, with England next after two wins including beating Italy. ALSO READ | IPL 2023 Updated points table: GT remain atop after PBKS edge past RR in a thriller Elsewhere in the globe The top 10 includes only two South American sides while the rest are all European Nations. World Cup surprise package Morocco are the highest placed African nation and are 11th in the standings, USA are the highest ranked North American side and reside at 13th place. Japan are 20th in the latest rankings and remain the highest-ranked side from Asia. Interestingly, the 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar are 61st in the rankings while on the flip side European champions Italy are 8th. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

FIFA Rankings: Lionel Messi's Argentina back at summit after six years; rewarded for WC-winning campaign

World Cup winners Argentina have risen to second in the FIFA rankings with quarter-finalists Brazil still top, the global governing body announced on Thursday.

Lionel Messi's side, who lifted the trophy in Qatar on Sunday, move up one place, as do runners-up France, who are now third, with Belgium dropping to fourth.

Last weekend's final was decided on penalties and if one side had won the match after 90 minutes then, according to FIFA regulations, they would have gone above Brazil.

Croatia have moved from 12th to 7th after finishing third in the tournament with fourth-placed Morocco now 11th as the highest positioned African nation.

FIFA rankings top 10:

1. Brazil 1840.77 points

2. Argentina 1838.38

3. France 1823.39

4. Belgium 1781.30

5. England 1774.19

6. Netherlands 1740.92

7. Croatia 1727.62

8. Italy 1723.56

9. Portugal 1702.54

10. Spain 1692.71

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World Cup winners Argentina have risen to second in the FIFA rankings with quarter-finalists Brazil still top, the global governing body announced on Thursday. Lionel Messi's side, who lifted the trophy in Qatar on Sunday, move up one place, as do runners-up France, who are now third, with Belgium dropping to fourth.

World Cup winners Argentina have risen to second in the FIFA rankings with quarter-finalists Brazil still top, the global governing body announced on Thursday. Lionel Messi's side, who lifted the trophy in Qatar on Sunday, move up one place, as do runners-up France, who are now third, with Belgium dropping to fourth. Last weekend's final was decided on penalties and if one side had won the match after 90 minutes then, according to FIFA regulations, they would have gone above Brazil. Croatia have moved from 12th to 7th after finishing third in the tournament with fourth-placed Morocco now 11th as the highest positioned African nation. FIFA rankings top 10: 1. Brazil 1840.77 points 2. Argentina 1838.38 3. France 1823.39 4. Belgium 1781.30 5. England 1774.19 6. Netherlands 1740.92 7. Croatia 1727.62 8. Italy 1723.56 9. Portugal 1702.54 10. Spain 1692.71

World Cup winners Argentina up to second in FIFA rankings

Newly crowned women's European champions England rose to fourth in the latest FIFA rankings published on Friday, with four-times World Cup winners United States holding on to the top spot. The rankings come after a busy month for women`s football in which continental championships for Africa, North America, South America and Oceania took place alongside the Euros, as part of qualifying for the 2023 Women`s World Cup.

The United States won their ninth CONCACAF W Championship title in July to remain in first place, a spot they have occupied since 2017.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-to-be-benched-by-erik-ten-hag-for-man-uniteds-premier-league-opener-report-503594">Cristiano Ronaldo to be benched by Erik Ten Hag for Man United's Premier League opener: Report</a>

England`s Euros win on home soil pushed them up four spots from eighth, while runners-up Germany leapfrogged losing semi-finalists Sweden into second. South Africa moved up to 54th off the back of their first Women`s Africa Cup of Nations title, while Zambia, who reached the tournament`s semi-finals, were the most improved side in the rankings, rising 23 places to 80th.

Copa America Femenina winners Brazil remained in ninth place. Joint World Cup hosts Australia and New Zealand were 12th and 22nd.

Newly crowned women's European champions England rose to fourth in the latest FIFA rankings published on Friday, with four-times World Cup winners United States holding on to the top spot.

Newly crowned women's European champions England rose to fourth in the latest FIFA rankings published on Friday, with four-times World Cup winners United States holding on to the top spot. The rankings come after a busy month for women`s football in which continental championships for Africa, North America, South America and Oceania took place alongside the Euros, as part of qualifying for the 2023 Women`s World Cup. The United States won their ninth CONCACAF W Championship title in July to remain in first place, a spot they have occupied since 2017. ALSO READ | Cristiano Ronaldo to be benched by Erik Ten Hag for Man United's Premier League opener: Report England`s Euros win on home soil pushed them up four spots from eighth, while runners-up Germany leapfrogged losing semi-finalists Sweden into second. South Africa moved up to 54th off the back of their first Women`s Africa Cup of Nations title, while Zambia, who reached the tournament`s semi-finals, were the most improved side in the rankings, rising 23 places to 80th. Copa America Femenina winners Brazil remained in ninth place. Joint World Cup hosts Australia and New Zealand were 12th and 22nd.

FIFA rankings: Women's Euros title propels England to fourth spot

Copa America winners Brazil have leapfrogged World Champions France, climbing to second place in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday.&nbsp;

Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium earlier this month to collect their ninth continental title.

Belgium still tops the rankings while France slip to number three.

Algeria is the biggest movers, climbing 28 places to number 40 following their victory over Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

In spite of winning their first continental title in 29 years, the Algerians are only the fourth-ranked team in Africa behind Senegal (20), Tunisia (29) and Nigeria (33), another team they beat in the semi-finals.

Copa America winners Brazil have leapfrogged World Champions France, climbing to second place in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday. Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium earlier this month to collect their ninth continental title.

Copa America winners Brazil have leapfrogged World Champions France, climbing to second place in the latest FIFA rankings, released on Thursday. Brazil beat Peru 3-1 at the Maracana stadium earlier this month to collect their ninth continental title. Belgium still tops the rankings while France slip to number three. Algeria is the biggest movers, climbing 28 places to number 40 following their victory over Senegal in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. In spite of winning their first continental title in 29 years, the Algerians are only the fourth-ranked team in Africa behind Senegal (20), Tunisia (29) and Nigeria (33), another team they beat in the semi-finals.

Copa America winners Brazil climb to second in FIFA rankings, Belgium on top

India rose two spots in the latest FIFA rankings, but just missed the top 100.&nbsp;

India are now ranked 101st in the world and 18th in Asia.&nbsp;

Iran continued to top the Asian rankings; they are ranked 21st in the world, followed by Japan (26), South Korea (37), Australia (41) and Qatar (55).

Belgium remained top of the rankings with 1737 points, ahead of France (1734), Brazil (1676), England (1647) and Croatia (1621).&nbsp;

India have&nbsp;been in the top 100 before.

One reason for their poor ranking is the few international matches that they play — India for example has not played an international match since the last rankings on February 7 — the more you play, the higher you move up the rankings.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India rose two spots in the latest FIFA rankings, but just missed the top 100. India are now ranked 101st in the world and 18th in Asia. Iran continued to top the Asian rankings; they are ranked 21st in the world, followed by Japan (26), South Korea (37), Australia (41) and Qatar (55).

India rose two spots in the latest FIFA rankings, but just missed the top 100. India are now ranked 101st in the world and 18th in Asia. Iran continued to top the Asian rankings; they are ranked 21st in the world, followed by Japan (26), South Korea (37), Australia (41) and Qatar (55). Belgium remained top of the rankings with 1737 points, ahead of France (1734), Brazil (1676), England (1647) and Croatia (1621). India have been in the top 100 before. One reason for their poor ranking is the few international matches that they play — India for example has not played an international match since the last rankings on February 7 — the more you play, the higher you move up the rankings.

FIFA rankings: India moves up two spots, just misses top 100

Belgium surpassed France to acquire the top spot in FIFA's world rankings released on Thursday.&nbsp;

Belgium and France had been tied at the top last month and while both sides won one game and drew another in October, the Belgians, with 1,733 points, moved ahead by a single point under the formula for calculating the rankings.

Belgium defeated Switzerland in the Nations League and drew with the Netherlands in a friendly.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, world champions France beat Germany in the Nations League and were held by Iceland in a friendly.

Brazil, one of only two non-European sides in the top 10 along with Uruguay, remain third, followed by Croatia and England.

Gibraltar, who only became FIFA members in 2016, rose eight places to their best ranking of 190th, thanks to their Nations League wins in Armenia and at home Liechtenstein.

Belgium surpassed France to acquire the top spot in FIFA's world rankings released on Thursday. Belgium and France had been tied at the top last month and while both sides won one game and drew another in October, the Belgians, with 1,733 points, moved ahead by a single point under the formula for calculating the rankings.

Belgium surpassed France to acquire the top spot in FIFA's world rankings released on Thursday. Belgium and France had been tied at the top last month and while both sides won one game and drew another in October, the Belgians, with 1,733 points, moved ahead by a single point under the formula for calculating the rankings. Belgium defeated Switzerland in the Nations League and drew with the Netherlands in a friendly. Meanwhile, world champions France beat Germany in the Nations League and were held by Iceland in a friendly. Brazil, one of only two non-European sides in the top 10 along with Uruguay, remain third, followed by Croatia and England. Gibraltar, who only became FIFA members in 2016, rose eight places to their best ranking of 190th, thanks to their Nations League wins in Armenia and at home Liechtenstein.

FIFA world rankings: Belgium becomes new no. 1

Argentina finished 2016 out in front of arch rivals Brazil to inherit the &#39;team of the year&#39; title from Belgium, displaced from the FIFA summit by the Edgardo Bauza-coached Albiceleste in April.

Meanwhile, India jumped 42 places in less than two years to record their best ever ranking -- 129 -- in the last decade.

2016 was a productive year for the Indian football team as they won nine of their last 11 international matches.

A win against Peurto Rico, a side ranked 114th, in a friendly international in Mumbai in September was the highlight of the year.

National coach Stephen Constantine said it was a &quot;total team effort&quot; that India achieved their best ever ranking since December 2005, which was 127.

&quot;I think we have had a really good couple of years during my time and while results have been mixed, we have achieved what we said we would. Our ranking is at its highest since 2005 which is obviously great for Indian football. There is, however, a very long way to go where I intend to take Indian football to, but I can say that we have begun our journey,&quot; said Constantine.

India were ranked 171 when Constantine took over as national coach for the second time in February 2015 and slipped further to 173 in March 2015 in the FIFA ladder even before Constantine could have his first game in-charge against Nepal, which India eventually won 2-0 on aggregate.

The year-end of 2016 saw the Indian team jump to 135 in the world making it their six-year highest annual ranking since 2009.

FIFA top 10 rankings on Thursday:

1. Argentina

2. Brazil

3. Germany

4. Chile

5. Belgium

6. Colombia

7. France

8. Portugal

9. Uruguay

10. Spain

Selected:

13. England

16. Italy

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

South America had five representatives in the top 10, while Euro champions Portugal were placed eighth

Argentina finished 2016 out in front of arch rivals Brazil to inherit the 'team of the year' title from Belgium, displaced from the FIFA summit by the Edgardo Bauza-coached Albiceleste in April. Meanwhile, India jumped 42 places in less than two years to record their best ever ranking -- 129 -- in the last decade. 2016 was a productive year for the Indian football team as they won nine of their last 11 international matches. A win against Peurto Rico, a side ranked 114th, in a friendly international in Mumbai in September was the highlight of the year. National coach Stephen Constantine said it was a "total team effort" that India achieved their best ever ranking since December 2005, which was 127. "I think we have had a really good couple of years during my time and while results have been mixed, we have achieved what we said we would. Our ranking is at its highest since 2005 which is obviously great for Indian football. There is, however, a very long way to go where I intend to take Indian football to, but I can say that we have begun our journey," said Constantine. India were ranked 171 when Constantine took over as national coach for the second time in February 2015 and slipped further to 173 in March 2015 in the FIFA ladder even before Constantine could have his first game in-charge against Nepal, which India eventually won 2-0 on aggregate. The year-end of 2016 saw the Indian team jump to 135 in the world making it their six-year highest annual ranking since 2009. FIFA top 10 rankings on Thursday: 1. Argentina 2. Brazil 3. Germany 4. Chile 5. Belgium 6. Colombia 7. France 8. Portugal 9. Uruguay 10. Spain Selected: 13. England 16. Italy (WION with inputs from agencies)

FIFA rankings: Argentina retain top spot, India's rank highest in a decade

Propelled by an impressive European Championship campaign, Wales climbed 15 places to move into 11th, two places ahead of England, in the FIFA world rankings released today. 
 
Chris Coleman`s charges reached the last four in France in Wales` first major tournament since 1958 and lost to eventual winners Portugal.&nbsp; 
 
England, the 1966 World Cup winners, exited in the round of 16 after a humiliating defeat to Iceland which saw them drop two places to 13th. 
 
Iceland, the smallest nation ever to have qualified for the European Championship, with a population of 330,000, saw their fairytale run end in the quarter-finals but saw their rankings jump 12 places to 22. 
 
There were no changes in the top five rankings with Copa America finalists Argentina retaining top spot, followed by Belgium, Colombia, Germany and Chile. 
 
Five times World champions Brazil, who failed to progress past the group stages of Copa America for the first time since 1987, are on the brink of dropping out of the top 10, ranked at ninth, ahead of Italy. 
 
European Championship finalists France jumped 10 places to move to 7th, one place behind winners Portugal. 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

No changes in top 5 rankings with Copa America finalists Argentina retaining top spot, followed by Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Chile

Propelled by an impressive European Championship campaign, Wales climbed 15 places to move into 11th, two places ahead of England, in the FIFA world rankings released today. Chris Coleman`s charges reached the last four in France in Wales` first major tournament since 1958 and lost to eventual winners Portugal. England, the 1966 World Cup winners, exited in the round of 16 after a humiliating defeat to Iceland which saw them drop two places to 13th. Iceland, the smallest nation ever to have qualified for the European Championship, with a population of 330,000, saw their fairytale run end in the quarter-finals but saw their rankings jump 12 places to 22. There were no changes in the top five rankings with Copa America finalists Argentina retaining top spot, followed by Belgium, Colombia, Germany and Chile. Five times World champions Brazil, who failed to progress past the group stages of Copa America for the first time since 1987, are on the brink of dropping out of the top 10, ranked at ninth, ahead of Italy. European Championship finalists France jumped 10 places to move to 7th, one place behind winners Portugal. (Reuters)

Wales climbs 15 spots, overtakes England in FIFA rankings?

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