No fewer than 192 matches have been played since the last edition of the ranking, 147 of which were qualifying matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. "It comes as little surprise then that there has been noticeable movement this month," FIFA said.
In the top 50, five teams have climbed more than ten places. Particularly worthy of mention are the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, who have risen 15 places to 14th and are now the highest-ranked African team. Currently, 23 teams have booked a place in the World Cup finals, 13 of which are ranked in the top 20.
Five of the other teams in the top 20 face a play-off for a place in South Africa, while Croatia and the Czech Republic are the only teams in the top 20 who have failed to qualify for the World Cup. Hosts South Africa (85th, down 12) and Korea DPR (91st, down 1) are the only teams from outside the top 50 who will be present at next year´s event.
1. Brazil 1632points
2. Spain 1629
3. Netherlands 1340
4. Italy 1215
5. Germany 1161 (-1)
6. Argentina 1103 (+2)
7. England 1101
8. Croatia 1087 (+1)
9. France 1049 (+1)
10. Portugal 1042 (+7)
South Asia
138. India 160
148. Maldives 129
158. Sri Lanka 103
165. Bangladesh 82
167. Pakistan 80
173. Nepal 60
Related story
Nepal FIFA rankings unchanged on 161, WCup winner France on top
