England on the podium, Kosovo hit new heights

Thursday 16 September 2021, 14:00

England on the podium, Kosovo hit new heights

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Harry Kane of England celebrates with Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling after scoring their side's first goal from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between England and Poland on March 31, 2021 at Wembley Stadium in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

177 internationals played in September
Changes to podium positions in FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking
Libya make most progress, Kosovo reach all-time high
With no fewer than 152 FIFA World Cup™ qualifying games as well as 25 friendlies played across the globe in the first half of September, the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking released on 16 September is unsurprisingly much changed.   
While Belgium (1st) and Brazil (2nd) continue to lead the way, there is a new face on the podium. Following mixed results in Qatar 2022 qualifying this month (two draws and a win), France (4, - 1) drop out of the Top 3, allowing England (3, +1) to take their place courtesy of two wins and a draw some nine years after last being there.
With three victories in as many games, Denmark (10, + 1) break into the Top 10, where Portugal (7, + 1) and Spain (8, - 1) swap positions.
The most notable climbs among the top 50 came from IR Iran (22, + 4), Russia (37, + 4),  Norway (39, + 4), Scotland (45, + 4) and Northern Ireland (47, + 4).
However, it is below 50th place that we see the best progressions in this edition, namely those of Libya (110, + 12), Canada (51, + 8), Liberia (144, + 6), Malta (171, + 6), Panama (68, + 6), Bulgaria (70, + 5) and Saudi Arabia (56, + 5).
Special mention has to go to Kosovo (109, + 6) who, having beaten Georgia (1-0) and held Greece (1-1), climb to 109th place and an all-time high.
The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 21 October 2021.

LeaderBelgium (unchanged)
Countries entering the Top 10Denmark (10, +1)
Countries exiting the Top 10USA (13, -3)
Total matches played177
Most matches playedEthiopia, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Niger, Sudan (4)
Biggest increase in pointsLibya (+27.27 points)
Biggest increases in placesLibya (+12 places)
Biggest drop in pointsCyprus (-32.65 points)
Biggest drop in placesVenezuela, Jamaica (-9 places)
Countries joining the RankingNone
Countries leaving the RankingNone
Unranked inactive teamsCook Islands

Leader	Belgium (unchanged)
Countries entering the Top 10	Denmark (10, +1)
Countries exiting the Top 10	USA (13, -3)
Total matches played	177
Most matches played	Ethiopia, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Niger, Sudan (4)
Biggest increase in points	Libya (+27.27 points)
Biggest increases in places	Libya (+12 places)
Biggest drop in points	Cyprus (-32.65 points)
Biggest drop in places	Venezuela, Jamaica (-9 places)
Countries joining the Ranking	None
Countries leaving the Ranking	None
Unranked inactive teams	Cook Islands