Northern Ireland have jumped ahead of the Republic of Ireland in the FIFA rankings table.

A strong start to qualifying has rocketed them up to 43rd - 28 places higher than their previous position.

The Republic of Ireland are up one place to 61st despite making an encouraging start to Euro 2016 qualifying. However, the 7 - 0 win over Gibraltar was not recorded for the purposes of rankings as the minnows are only UEFA members and not FIFA members.

That means Martin O'Neill's side are wedged between the two Congos - the DRC and its neighbour.

Despite losing to Poland and drawing with Ireland, Germany remain top.

World Cup finalists Argentina are second with Colombia third, ahead of Belgium.

England have slipped to 20th.