FIFA have updated their world rankings following Argentina’s World Cup win and Roberto Mancini’s Italy have dropped two places.
The Azzurri did not take part in the World Cup in Qatar after losing in their play-off clash with North Macedonia back in March of this year, breaking hearts across the Italian peninsula for a second time following their failure to qualify for the 2018 edition in Russia.
Mancini remained at the helm despite the defeat and will lead the team at Euro 2024, likely to be their next major tournament.
FIFA’s updated rankings have seen World Cup winners Argentina gain one spot, rising to second behind Brazil, and France are still in third. Belgium, who topped the rankings since 2018, have slipped down to fourth following their poor result in Qatar. Italy dropped two spots, going from sixth to eighth, and semi-finalists Morocco have flown up the table, going from 22nd to 11th.
Italy are behind Croatia, the Netherlands and England, and still sit ahead of Portugal and Spain.
Below are the top 20 in FIFA’s latest rankings:
- 1. Brazil
- 2. Argentina
- 3. France
- 4. Belgium
- 5. England
- 6. Netherlands
- 7. Croatia
- 8. Italy
- 9. Portugal
- 10. Spain
- 11. Morocco
- 12. Switzerland
- 13. United States
- 14. Germany
- 15. Mexico
- 16. Uruguay
- 17. Colombia
- 18. Denmark
- 19. Senegal
- 20. Japan