ZURICH: The thousand-game mark has now been passed.

November’s 120 qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, coupled with 25 friendlies also held this month, have brought the total number of internationals in 2021 to 1058. And just as they have done since 2018, Belgium (1, -) end the calendar year at the summit.

The Red Devils came close to surrendering top spot to their nearest pursuers Brazil (2, -), who were unable to take advantage of Belgium’s draw in Wales after a stalemate of their own against Argentina.

Next come France (3, -), whose two qualifying wins this month moved them closer to the leading pair, themselves only separated by 2.1 points.

Closing in on a podium position are England (4, +1), who climbed a rung on the ladder thanks to Italy’s (6, -2) travails in the qualifiers for Qatar 2022. Down to sixth in the global standings, the reigning European champions now also have Argentina (5, +1) in front of them.

Another country heading in the wrong direction are Mexico (14, -5), whose fall of five places saw them cede their Top 10 spot to a Netherlands (10, +1) side fresh from World Cup qualification.

As of this month, 13 countries have qualified for Qatar 2022, with 11 of these ranked in the Top 15. Serbia (23, +2) and Qatar (51, -5), the latter qualifying automatically as hosts, are the two ranked lower.

Down in 72nd a year ago, Canada (40, +8) are now up to 40th, a lofty position they have not experienced since December 1996. And while the Canucks can take pride in their eight-place rise since the October Ranking, three other teams fared even better in the same period: Equatorial Guinea (114, +12), Ecuador (46, +9) and Togo (125, +9).

Click HERE to view the complete ranking.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 23 December 2021.

Leader Belgium (unchanged)
Countries entering the Top 10 Netherlands (10, +1)
Countries exiting the Top 10 Mexico (14, -5)
Total matches played 145
Most matches played Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Maldives, Mexico, Seychelles, Sri Lanka (3)
Biggest increase in points Ecuador (+ 31.81 points)
Biggest increase in places Equatorial Guinea (+ 12 places)
Biggest drop in points Mexico (- 34.16 points)
Biggest drop in places Central African Republic (-15 places)
Countries joining the Ranking None
Countries leaving the Ranking None
Unranked inactive teams Cook Islands

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