Argentina ranked no.2 in FIFA’s standings after winning World Cup

Zurich: Argentina has ascended to second place in the FIFA rankings, trailing only quarter-finalists Brazil, FIFA, the global governing body announced.

Lionel Messi’s side, who lifted the trophy in Qatar, move up one place, as do runners-up France, who are now third, with Belgium dropping to fourth.

The FIFA World Cup final was decided on penalties and if one side had won the match after 90 minutes then, according to FIFA regulations, they would have gone above Brazil.

Croatia has moved from 12th to 7th after finishing third in the tournament with fourth-placed Morocco now 11th as the highest-positioned African nation.

FIFA rankings top 10 runs as follows:

1. Brazil 1840.77 points.

2. Argentina 1838.38.

3. France 1823.39.

4. Belgium 1781.30.

5. England 1774.19.

6. Netherlands 1740.92

7. Croatia 1727.62.

8. Italy 1723.56.

9. Portugal 1702.54.

10. Spain 1692.71.

About FIFA

FIFA exists to govern football and to develop the game around the world. Since 2016, the organisation has been fast evolving into a body that can more effectively serve our game for the benefit of the entire world.

The new FIFA is modernising football to be global, accessible and inclusive in all aspects. Not just on one or two continents, but everywhere.

Under our vision to make football truly global, we will help develop football everywhere so that there are at least 50 national teams and 50 clubs from all continents that can compete at a top competitive level.

FIFA plays a fundamental role in society, and therefore adherence to good governance principles is fundamental to FIFA’s broader social mission. With 211 affiliated associations, FIFA supports them financially and logistically through various programmes. As representatives of FIFA in their countries, they have obligations to respect the statutes, aims and ideals of football’s governing body and promote and manage our sport accordingly.