Germany return to top of FIFA’s rankings

WORLD CUP—Germany’s forward Andre Schuerrle (C) holds the trophy as he 
celebrates with teammates after his team’s victory in the final 
football match between Germany and Argentina for the FIFA World Cup 
at The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro

Germany’s charge to claim Sunday’s World Cup title has seen them return to the top of FIFA’s world rankings for the first time in around 20 years.

The latest list, published on Thursday, has Germany moving up one place on the strength of their 1-0 defeat of Argentina ar Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana. 

Lionel Messi’s Argentina are placed second, an improvement of three places, with the Netherlands leaping 12 rungs into third after their impressive World Cup third place finish.

The James Rodriguez-inspired Colombia move up to fourth (+4), ahead of Belgium (+6) and Uruguay while disappointing Brazil dropped four spots to seventh.

Deposed world champions Spain slumped seven spots to their new modest placing of eighth, with Switzerland and France (+7) completing the top ten.

Costa Rica’s remarkable charge to the quarter-finals was rewarded with a jump of 12 places to 16th.

England’s woeful first round exit resulted in Roy Hodgson’s side dropping ten places to 20th.

Latest FIFA rankings.

1. Germany (+1)

2. Argentina (+3)

3. Netherlands (+12)

4. Colombia (+4)

5. Belgium (+6)

6. Uruguay (+1)

7. Brazil (-4)

8. Spain (-7)

9. Switzerland (-3)

10. France (+7)

11. Portugal (-7)

12. Chile (+2)

13. Greece (-1)

14. Italy (-5)

15. USA (-2)

16. Costa Rica (+12)

17. Croatia (+1)

18. Mexico (+2)

19. Bosnia and Hercegovina (+2)

20. England (-10)