December 22 – The FIFA men’s rankings have been nudged only slightly in the latest update, as OFC nations battle it out in the Pacific Games whilst the rest of the world remains focused on domestic leagues. Argentina remain on top.
Panama maintains its ranking at 41st place this month, marking an impressive increase of 83.92 points. The Canaleros can celebrate achieving the most significant leap in 2023, climbing an impressive 20 spots over the year that saw them play in the final of the Gold Cup and qualify again for the final four of the Concacaf Nations League.
Following closely behind are Moldova, rising 19 places to 155th with a gain of 63.72 points, and Malaysia, climbing 15 spots to 130th with an increase of 56.27 points compared to 2022.
Only 11 men’s international matches have been played since the last rankings update in November, nine of which featured teams from OFC teams competing in the Pacific Games.
The last two games were made up of friendlies for Colombia (14th), who faced off against Venezuela (50th) and Mexico (15th), winning both and leapfrogging the Mexicans in the process.
The AFC and UEFA nation rankings remain unchanged as no matches were played featuring nations from these continents.
As a result, the top ten remains unchanged both on points and placement, with Argentina ending 2023 on top a year after lifting the World Cup trophy, closely followed by France and England.
Meanwhile Japan (17th) remain the top-ranked team in the AFC ahead of Iran (21st) and Korea Republic (23rd), with the AFC Asian Cup Qatar looming in the new year.
Fans can expect the rankings to undergo a real shake-up in the coming months, with multiple major tournaments poised for action spanning every major continental footballing body, beginning with the Asian Cup on January 12 and the Africa Cup of Nations a day later.
To see the full ranking click here.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1713949176labto1713949176ofdlr1713949176owedi1713949176sni@g1713949176niwe.1713949176yrrah1713949176