LOC23:15
20:15 GMT
GENEVA, Nov 19 (KUNA) -- Spain continues to lead the way with world champions Argentina and France close behind while Kuwait maintain their global position at 135th with 1103.25 points according to last FIFA Men's World Ranking.
In a statement issued in Zurich FIFA stated that the latest ranking follows the conclusion of the qualifying rounds for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to be hosted by Canada the United States and Mexico.
According to the ranking published the Brazil advanced two places with Portugal and the Netherlands just behind while Italy dropped three places to exit the top ten after their defeat to Norway who secured their qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Croatia also returned to tenth place and the United States registered progress to 14th position overtaking Mexico.
In Asia, Japan continued to lead by placing 18th worldwide followed by Iran in 20th place while Uzbekistan made an important leap by climbing five places to return to the top 50 for the first time since 2016.
The ranking also saw Morocco continue to lead Africa and the Arab countries in the 11th place worldwide followed by Senegal at 19 globally and among Arab sides Egypt at 34 and Algeria at 35 Nigeria and Tunisia also achieved progress of three places each with the Nigeria taking 38th worldwide and Tunisia the 40th.
FIFA said that With the latest round of qualifiers done and dusted UEFA and Concacaf sides punched their tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and claimed the final direct spots ahead of the Play-Off Tournament and European Play-Off draws to be held at Home of FIFA in Zurich on Thursday 20 November.
The draws will determine the pathways that the 22 competing nations (six via the Play-Off Tournament and 16 through the European Play-Offs) will need to navigate if they are to secure one of the six remaining places at the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Canada Mexico and the United States next summer.
A total of 149 national-team outings including 74 friendlies have been contested around the world since the FIFA Men's World Ranking was last updated producing various changes in the pecking order. (end)
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