…160 internationals played in October
…England drop out of podium positions
…Notable progress by New Zealand and Indonesia
THUR 21 OCT, 2021-theGBJournal- October 2021 was a busy month in international football, with qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, friendlies, and the final rounds of the UEFA Nations League all on the agenda. A total of 160 fixtures were played, the impact of which can be seen in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking published on 21 October.
Though their lead is now under threat, Belgium (1, -) remain atop the world hierarchy despite UEFA Nations League defeats to France (3, +1) and Italy (4, +1). Among the top five, only Les Bleus and Gli Azzurri have improved their positions.
Brazil (2, -) remain second but are breathing down the neck of the Red Devils, just 12 points further back. England (5, -2) drop two places.
A little further down, Spain’s (7, +1) progress at the expense of Portugal (8, -1) is also noteworthy, as is that of Germany (12, +2), who leapfrog USA (13, -). Uruguay (15, -3) lost most ground among the Top 20 by dropping three places.
It is after that, however, where we find some of the most significant movers of this edition. Morocco (29, +4), Russia (33, +4), Egypt (44, +4), Saudi Arabia (49, +7) and South Africa (66, +7) all made strides on the back of two wins from two this month in Qatar 2022 qualifying.
Two nations in the second half of table fared even better, with New Zealand (111, +10) and Indonesia (165, +10) the joint biggest movers this month, ahead of Central African Republic (115, +9) and Cambodia (170, +8).
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 25 November 2021.
Leader Belgium (unchanged)
Countries entering the Top 10 None
Countries exiting the Top 10 None
Total matches played 160
Most matches played India, Nepal (5)
Biggest increase in points Indonesia (+ 28.56 points)
Biggest increase in places
Indonesia, New Zealand (+ 10 places)
Biggest drop in points Chinese Taipei (- 28.56 points)
Biggest drop in places Northern Ireland (- 11 places)
Countries joining the Ranking None
Countries leaving the Ranking None
Unranked inactive teams Cook Islands
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