Ireland up three places in world rankings despite England hammering

In the latest batch of rankings, issued by FIFA today and the last such listing before next month’s draw for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side are up to 60th, a rise of three places despite that 5-0 loss to England in the last game of the Nations League campaign.

Ireland had been on a steady slide and, with that recent placing of 63rd, were edging close to the all-time low of 70th place but the move up the rankings will be a boost, though it will see Ireland enter the World Cup qualifiers as third seeds, albeit in a four-team group due to the team’s participation in a promotion/relegation play-off in the Nations League against Bulgaria in March. Bulgaria are up two places to 82nd. Ireland rank 28th among the 55 UEFA member states.

Northern Ireland are unchanged in 71st place, England stay in fourth position, Scotland rise six places to 45th and Wales are in 29th position.