The new data, released Thursday, reveals very little change. While there have been 1,181 men’s international matches in 2024, only 21 have taken place since the November 28 edition of the rankings.
As a result, the ranking of the first 113 countries has not changed.
Argentina, world champion, who dislodged Brazil at the top of the rankings in April 2023, remains in first place, followed by France, Spain, England and Brazil. Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and Germany complete the top 10.
Canada moved up four places to 31st in the Nov. 28 rankings after beating Suriname 1-0, 3-0 last month in the two-legged quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League. The Canadians find themselves between Hungary and Serbia in the rankings.
Canada ranks third in Concacaf, which covers North America, Central America and the Caribbean, behind the United States (16th) and Mexico (19th). The Canadians will face Mexico in March in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal in Inglewood, California.
The Canadians previously reached 33rd in February 2022 under John Herdman, after turning heads with a winning streak during Concacaf World Cup qualifying. Canada had been named the “most improved team” in 2021 by FIFA, after jumping 32 places to reach 40th.
Canada began 2024 in 48th place, slipped to 50th in February, and was 49th in the world when Jesse Marsch took over as coach in mid-May. Since then, the team has continued to climb to reach 48th, 40th, 38th, 35th and now 31st places.
Angola recorded the greatest progression in the rankings in 2024, rising 32 places to reach 85th place.
On the women’s side, Canada is currently ranked sixth by FIFA.
