FIFA have revealed the World Rankings for October and this month's positions are more keenly anticipated than usual because of the impact they could have on the World Cup and upcoming playoffs.
The seedings for the next month's European playoffs will be based on these rankings as well as the seedings for the World Cup draw.
But first of all from an Ireland perspective. The Boys in Green are down one place to 60th in the rankings after a defeat to Germany and win over Kazakhstan. Within the UEFA zone, that means Ireland are ranked 31st in Europe with one eye towards the Euro 2016 qualifiers.
Spain remain top of the rankings while Germany are up one place to second.
England are up seven places to 10th. However there was bad news for the Three Lions as the Top 8 seeds were unveiled for next year's World Cup in Brazil.
Hosts Brazil (ranked 11th) and the top seven ranked country's in the FIFA rankings will be seeded meaning England will have to make do with Pot 2.
Thus Pot 1 of the World Cup draw will consist of Brazil, Spain, Germany, Argentina, Colombia, Belgium, Switzerland and Uruguay or the Netherlands.
Uruguay have not yet qualified but face a playoff against Asian minnows Jordan. Assuming the two-time World Champions make it then Netherlands will not be seeded. Italy are another top nation that will not be seeded in the draw.
The FIFA Top 10 is as follows:
- Spain
- Germany
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Belgium
- Uruguay
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Italy
- England
