England on the podium, Kosovo hit new heights
• 177 internationals played in September
• Changes to podium positions in FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking
• Libya make most progress, Kosovo reach all-time high
With no fewer than 152 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying games as well as 25 friendlies played across the globe in the first half of September, the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking released on 16 September is unsurprisingly much changed.
While Belgium (1st) and Brazil (2nd) continue to lead the way, there is a new face on the podium. Following mixed results in Qatar 2022 qualifying this month (two draws and a win), France (4, – 1) drop out of the Top 3, allowing England (3, +1) to take their place courtesy of two wins and a draw some nine years after last being there.
With three victories in as many games, Denmark (10, + 1) break into the Top 10, where Portugal (7, + 1) and Spain (8, – 1) swap positions.
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), climb to 109th place and an all-time high.
Click HERE to view the complete ranking.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 21 October 2021.
Leader Belgium (unchanged)
Countries entering the Top 10 Denmark (10, + 1)
Countries exiting the Top 10 USA (13, – 3)
Total matches played 177
Most matches played Ethiopia, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Niger, Sudan (4)
Biggest increase in points Libya (+ 27.27 points)
Biggest increase in places Libya (+ 12 places)
Biggest drop in points Cyprus (- 32.65 points)
Biggest drop in places Venezuela, Jamaica (- 9 places)
Countries joining the Ranking None
Countries leaving the Ranking None
Unranked inactive teams Cook Islands
Source: Official Media release of FIFA. IBG NEWS is an enlisted Media House with FIFA
