Belgium keep top spot in latest FIFA ranking

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Belgium, the 2018 World Cup bronze medalists, still top the world football standings as FIFA announced the first ranking of 2022 on Thursday.

Nicknamed "Les Diables Rouges" or the Red Devils, Belgium remain in the pole position with 1828.45 points.

Record World Cup winners Brazil came second with1823.42 points.

France, who are the defending world champions, are third in the list as "Les Bleus" (the Blues) bagged 1786.15 points.

Belgium, Brazil and France booked their spots each in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar that has been scheduled from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18.

Meanwhile, Senegal reached the 18th place in the FIFA World Ranking after winning their first CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title on Sunday. This is the highest ever rank for the Lions of Teranga.

With 1587.78 points, Senegal are also the highest-ranked African nation in the rankings.

Canada also made a notable move to upwards. Previously ranked 40th in the world, the Canucks took the 33rd position for their solid performance during the 2022 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF qualifiers.

Canada – led by Cyle Larin and Jonathan David – are on the verge of Qatar 2022.

They currently top the CONCACAF qualifying group, collecting 25 points with three games remaining.

Undefeated in the CONCACAF quals, Canada won seven matches and took four draws, and are set to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986.

Canada have so far collected 1497.82 points to come 33rd in the world.

Having racked up 1472.72 points, Turkiye are ranked 39th.