Ecuador, Haiti climb to highest-ever slots

As expected, there are very few changes to 2013’s first edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, with football having come to a halt in many places over the New Year period. Only 46 matches have been included in the Ranking since December’s instalment, 18 of which took place in 2012, with the remaining 28 being played in the first half of January 2013. There is no movement whatsoever in the top ten, with Spain still holding a comfortable lead over Germany and Argentina. Further down, two teams are now in their highest-ever position, namely Ecuador, who have reaped the rewards of some outstanding performances in 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ qualifying to move up to 12th, and Haiti, who are 38th on the back of their successful qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2013. Only two teams – Uzbekistan (56th, up 11) and Cuba (88th, up 12) – have climbed more than ten places since December. With Libya (47th, up 7) and Panama (46th, up 5) having replaced Tunisia (53rd, down 8) and Egypt (54th, down 13) in the top 50, the regional composition has changed slightly compared to last month, as CONCACAF now has one more team in the top 50 (4 teams) and CAF one less (7 teams). The number of teams from the other confederations remains unchanged (UEFA: 27, CONMEBOL: 9, AFC 3, OFC: 0). The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 14 February 2013. Summary Leader Spain (unchanged) Moves into top ten none Moves out of top ten none Matches played in total 46 Most matches played Oman (7 matches) Biggest move by points Syria (up 51 points) Biggest move by ranks Cuba (up 12 ranks) Biggest drop by points Benin (down 73 points) Biggest drop by ranks Benin (down 18 ranks) From : Fifa