DESPITE A DISAPPOINTING draw with Scotland that casts real doubt on Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016, Martin O’Neill’s men have jumped eight places to join the Cape Verde Islands as the 52nd ranked team in world football.
There are now 31 other European teams ahead of Ireland in the latest Fifa world rankings which means they will be ranked as fourth seeds for 2018 World Cup qualifying.
Argentina are rated number one, moving up three places, despite losing the Copa America final recently.
Germany and Belgium are ranked two and three while England and Wales take up ninth and tenth place respectively. It is an historic hight for Chris Coleman’s side.
Scotland have dropped one place to 29th while Northern Ireland have moved into the top 40, climbing seven places to 37th.
Anguilla remain 209th, the worst team in world football.
