FIFA have today released their updated world rankings, news more relevant than usual to Irish fans as it determines who is seeded for tomorrow's World Cup playoff draw in Zurich.
Ireland have jumped eight places to 26th place, although it is not enough to earn a seeded spot. We are among the four lowest-ranked sides in the playoff draw, meaning we will definitely be drawn against one of Switzerland (11), Italy (15), Croatia (18) or Denmark (19).
As expected, the Republic of Ireland are among the unseeded teams in the draw, along with Sweden, Northern Ireland, and Greece.
The playoff draw takes place in Zurich tomorrow at 1pm.
Elsewhere in the rankings, Germany remain in top spot, with Brazil second, Portugal third, and Argentina fourth. Belgium complete the top five. England sit in 12th place, two clear of Wales in 14th. Northern Ireland have dropped three places to 23rd, while Scotland have actually jumped 14 places to 29th place in spite of their qualification woes.
Oman are 110th.
