Staff Reporter.
FIFA has released its latest ranking after the recent 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Senegal retaining their place as the best-placed African nation.
Last month, the Lions of Teranga were ranked 21st overall, but they have jumped up a place in the latest round. Tunisia, meanwhile, have been bumped up three places in the world ranking, but are still second with regard to African countries.
The rest of the order has not adjusted much since the previous update in August, except for giants Ivory Coast and Cameroon. The Elephants have swapped places with the Indomitable Lions as they now boast eighth place on the continent, while their overall place has changed from 57th to 54th.
South Africa sit 73rd in the overall ranking and 13th among the African nations, with DR Congo and Burkina Faso ahead of them in the order.
Meanwhile England are up to third in Fifa’s men’s world rankings, equalling their highest ever position.
Gareth Southgate’s men move above world champions France, who drop to fourth after two draws and a win.
The last time England were ranked third was in September 2012.
Belgium remain in top spot, while Brazil are second.
Wales stay in 19th after a victory against Belarus sandwiched between draws against Finland and Estonia.
Scotland, who lost in Denmark before beating Moldova and Austria, rise four places to 45th.
Northern Ireland are also up four spots, wins over Lithuania and Estonia and a draw with Switzerland lifting them to 47th.
The Republic of Ireland have fallen from 47th to 50th after defeat by Portugal and draws with Azerbaijan and Serbia.
The Fifa rankings were first introduced in December 1992.