Qatar jump three spots in rankings

QATAR jumped three spots to 88th in the latest FIFA rankings announced last week.

Qatar, coached by Jorge Fossati, had beaten Syria 1-0 and held China 1-1 in their last two World Cup qualifiers. Al Annabi had also defeated Russia 2-1 in an international friendly earlier this month.

Qatar have 408 points while Armenia (412) are 87th and Kenya (397) 89th.

The 2022 World Cup hosts are ninth in Asia, where Iran lead the rankings.

Brazil have leapfrogged World Cup holders Germany into second place, narrowing the gap on traditional rivals Argentina, who are still the world’s top-ranked team.

Brazil have won their last six World Cup qualifiers and beat Argentina 3-0 earlier this month. Chile climbed above Belgium and Colombia into fourth place in the rankings while Wales and England have dropped a place each into 12th and 13th, respectively, with Ireland climbing 10 places to break into the top 25.

The next rankings will be released on December 22.