Soccer

Ireland move up to 29th in latest Fifa world rankings

Martin O’Neill’s men remain a place behind Michael O’Neills Nothern Ireland

Martin O’Neill’s Ireland are up to 29th in the latest Fifa rankings. Photograph: Inpho
Martin O’Neill’s Ireland are up to 29th in the latest Fifa rankings. Photograph: Inpho
Thu Mar 03 2016 - 11:32

Ireland have moved up to 29th in the world after the latest Fifa rankings were announced.

Having moved into the world’s top 30 for the first time since 2012 in February, Martin O’Neill’s men have risen another place in March.

Ireland were in 42nd place in November but have risen 13 places after Euro 2016 qualification wins over Gibraltar, Georgia and Germany were followed by a play-off win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Northern Ireland are still a place above the Republic however, with Michael O’Neill’s men moving up a place to 28th.

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Elsewhere Italy are the only side to have moved up a place in the world’s top 20, leapfrogging the Netherlands into 14th.

Belgium remain the top ranked side in the world, while Roy Hodgson’s England are ninth and Wales 17th. Scotland are currently ranked 45th.

Fifa world rankings:

1 Belgium

2 Argentina

3 Spain

4 Germany

5 Chile

6 Brazil

7 Portugal

8 Colombia

9 England

10 Austria

17 Wales

28 Northern Ireland

29 Ireland

45 Scotland