Portugal was the only team to climb within the top 10 of the updated FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings released on Wednesday, moving up two places to No. 5 on the back of a perfect UEFA Nations League window.
Portugal won all four of its Nations League matches during the just-concluded international window, beating Norway twice and adding victories over Wales and Denmark. The run was enough to lift the Portuguese two spots, the sole upward movement among the world's top 10.
Spain tightens its grip at the top
Spain, fresh from winning its second World Cup this summer, not only retained the No. 1 position but built on its margin. The European champions swept their first four Nations League matches, including a 3-2 win over England, two victories against Croatia and a win over the Czech Republic.
Argentina remains No. 2 after beating Benin 3-0 on Tuesday night in Lionel Messi's final match for his country, a fitting farewell for the 39-year-old's storied international career. France and England round out the top four, while Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico complete the top 10.
The only other changes in the top 10 were downward ones: Brazil and Morocco each fell one spot after drawing friendlies during the window.
Biggest risers and fallers
The United States held on to No. 16 despite a flawless 4-0-0 international window that included wins over Peru (4-1), Chile (4-2), Mexico (3-0) and Canada (1-0).
Rwanda was the biggest riser in the update, jumping nine places to No. 119 thanks largely to a 2-1 victory over World Cup darling Cape Verde in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on September 29. Sierra Leone was the biggest faller, dropping eight spots to No. 130 after losing both of its Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
The rankings will next be updated on November 18.
Sources: Reuters — Portugal jumps into top 5 of FIFA world rankings
Portugal won all four of its Nations League matches during the just-concluded international window, beating Norway twice and adding victories over Wales and Denmark. The run was enough to lift the Portuguese two spots, the sole upward movement among the world's top 10.
Spain tightens its grip at the top
Spain, fresh from winning its second World Cup this summer, not only retained the No. 1 position but built on its margin. The European champions swept their first four Nations League matches, including a 3-2 win over England, two victories against Croatia and a win over the Czech Republic.
Argentina remains No. 2 after beating Benin 3-0 on Tuesday night in Lionel Messi's final match for his country, a fitting farewell for the 39-year-old's storied international career. France and England round out the top four, while Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico complete the top 10.
The only other changes in the top 10 were downward ones: Brazil and Morocco each fell one spot after drawing friendlies during the window.
Biggest risers and fallers
The United States held on to No. 16 despite a flawless 4-0-0 international window that included wins over Peru (4-1), Chile (4-2), Mexico (3-0) and Canada (1-0).
Rwanda was the biggest riser in the update, jumping nine places to No. 119 thanks largely to a 2-1 victory over World Cup darling Cape Verde in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on September 29. Sierra Leone was the biggest faller, dropping eight spots to No. 130 after losing both of its Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
The rankings will next be updated on November 18.
Sources: Reuters — Portugal jumps into top 5 of FIFA world rankings
