Belgium remain top, Bangladesh climb down FIFA rankings

Belgium remained top of the FIFA rankings while there was no movement into the top 10 from outside following the few months of international matches. Bangladesh meanwhile climbed down the rankings after slumping to a 1-0 loss to Afghanistan in their opening match of the 2022 World Cup and 2023 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign on September 10.

In total, 78 friendlies, 74 continental qualifiers and 60 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers took place. Though the teams in the top ten remain unchanged, there has been some movement. France (2nd, up 1) and Brazil (3rd, down 1) have traded places, while Spain (7th, up 2) are the top ten’s biggest movers.

The Cayman Islands (193rd, up 11), and Grenada (160th, up 13) are the joint-biggest climbers by points, reaping the rewards after their successful showing in the Concacaf Nations League. Indeed, Grenada’s 13-place surge means that they are September’s highest climber by ranks.

Bangladesh lost five places after their loss to Afghanistan. They are currently 187th in the rankings. Meanwhile, Kosovo (119, plus 1) have been rewarded for their valiant showing in UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying by reaching their best-ever position in the FIFA Ranking.