October 6 – With two months to go until the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, Brazil will head to the global finals at the top of the FIFA ranking.
The Seleçao have a firm lead at the top of the ranking following their impressive victories against Ghana and Tunisia in their last warm-up friendlies before their World Cup curtain raiser against Serbia in Doha. They have widened the gap with Belgium, in second place, and Argentina, the reigning South American champions who are in the third position.
France, England, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark complete the top ten. The Italians leapfrogged Spain, but for the second consecutive time, they will not feature at the World Cup after crashing out in the qualifiers against North Macedonia.
Croatia moved three places to 12th and Iran occupy the 20th spot, moving two places up the ranking. As coach Carlos Queiroz returned for Team Melli, Iran defeated Uruguay 1-0 and drew with Senegal 1-1 to impress, but their preparations for the World Cup have been overshadowed by the nationwide protest following the death of Masha Amini in the custody of the morality police. World Cup participants Serbia climbed to the 21st position.
A number of World Cup finalists, including Belgium and Argentina, have planned a final friendly match before the World Cup in Qatar which will kick off with the hosts playing Ecuador on November 20 in the curtain raiser of the first World Cup in winter.
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