They might have been crowned the continent’s champions in February but that coronation is yet to reflected in the latest rankings released by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) in Zurich, yesterday.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria slipped three places to 31st in the world. The regression was not enough, however, to cost the country their position on the African rankings where they held on to fourth place ahead of Algeria.
Nigeria’s position is bound to improve in July following the lone goal victory the Eagles recorded against the Harambee Stars of Kenya in Nairobi last Wednesday.
Of the Eagles’ World Cup qualifying opponents, Malawi are the highest ranked in Africa at 31, Namibia moved three places up to 34, just sliding one place ahead of Kenya who are down at 35.
The U.S. national team’s two recent friendlies have resulted in a one-spot rise in the latest FIFA rankings.
Following a 4-2 loss to Belgium and a 4-3 victory over Germany, the USA is 28th in the world heading into three World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica (49th), Panama (43rd) and Honduras (52nd). Mexico remains the top-ranked team in CONCACAF but fell a spot, coming in at 17th as it prepares to compete in the FIFA Confederations Cup.
Belgium’s victory over the USA lifted the side to 12th in the world, just outside of the top 10 and the highest ranking in the nation’s history. There was one major change among the top 10, with the Netherlands climbing four places to fifth overall, while England tumbled two spots to No. 9. Spain maintains the world’s top ranking, followed by Germany, Argentina and Croatia, respectively.
World power Brazil tumbled to a new low, coming in at 22nd in the world, one place ahead of African side Mali.
