The Dutch national team travels as number eight to the World Cup in Qatar, according to the new ranking announced by FIFA. Brazil is still at the top of the rankings, followed by Belgium, Argentina, France and England. Italy and Spain have switched places as number six and seven. The top ten is completed by Portugal and Denmark.
Compared to the latest FIFA ranking, there are hardly any changes to be discovered. In the top ten, it is striking that Spain had to give up seventh place to Italy. The the Dutch victory over Belgium in the Nations League has expanded Brazil’s lead slightly. Brazil itself managed to beat Ghana (3-0) and Tunisia (5-1) in friendly matches. The team of national coach Tite is going up in Qatar for the sixth world title.
?? FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking is Out!
???? Brazil increase their lead at the top ??
?? Big gains for Scotland, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Georgia, Mauritania and Suriname ??
???? Only change in top ??is Italy leapfrogging Spain ????
?? https://t.co/l8xCZVumLX pic.twitter.com/yZpd94P41R— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) Oct 6, 2022
Azerbaijan is the country that has made the biggest jump in points (plus 19.55), while Scotland has also climbed with a rise of five places. North Macedonia lost 16.69 points and is the biggest loser. Erling Braut Haaland’s Norway dropped six places in the FIFA ranking and is also one of the biggest losers. Suriname made a profit and rose four places. The country now occupies 139th place.
The Dutch national team starts the World Cup with a game against Senegal on November 21. The second group match will be against Ecuador four days later, after which the group stage will conclude against host country Qatar (November 29). The global final tournament will be opened on Sunday 20 November by Qatar and Ecuador. The Netherlands plays its group matches at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. The time difference with Qatar is two hours.