Ireland drop three places in FIFA World Rankings

The Republic of Ireland have fallen to 33rd in the latest FIFA world rankings as Belgium move clear of world champions France at the top.

Ireland’s scoreless draw against Denmark and 1-0 defeat to Wales in their Nations League encounters sees them drop three places, though Northern Ireland have fallen six and are one below in 34th.

Ireland’s conquerors Wales are up to 18th and England have climbed one place to sixth after beating Spain 3-2.

Scotland are in 40th place after suffering back-to-back defeats including their Nations League clash in Israel.

France drop to second, with Brazil third and World Cup finalists Croatia fourth.

Germany find themselves down in 14th as their poor run of form continues following a shock early World Cup exit.

Minnows Gibraltar were the biggest climbers of the European countries, up eight spots to 190th following wins in their Nations League matches against Armenia and Lichtenstein.

In August, FIFA introduced a new formula for calculating ranking positions, which adds up points for wins and takes away points for any defeats.