Wales above England in FIFA rankings for first time

Mark Holmes
Wales: Up to ninth in FIFA rankings

Wales: Up to ninth in FIFA rankings

Wales are above England in the FIFA world rankings for the first time ever going into Thursday’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Cyprus in Nicosia.

Wales remain ninth in the rankings – their highest-ever position – while England slip two places but remain above both Spain (11th) and Netherlands (12th).

FIFA World Rankings

  1. Argentina
  2. Belgium
  3. Germany
  4. Colombia
  5. Brazil
  6. Portugal
  7. Romania
  8. Chile
  9. Wales
  10. England

Wales boss Coleman said the latest rankings would serve as a “confidence boost” as his side seek to secure their place at the Euro 2016 finals, which they will do if they beat both Cyprus and then Israel at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

“We’ve been low in the rankings and had that rubbed in our face many a time,” Coleman said.

“Now we’re doing very well, certain people want to say the rankings are this and they’re that, but the players deserve it.

“At the same time, the rankings are not going to get us to France. Success is getting to France.”

England, who are top of their Euro 2016 qualifying group with a 100% record, face San Marino on Saturday before hosting Switzerland at Wembley next Tuesday.

How the rankings are decided: A team’s total number of ranking points over a four-year period is determined by adding the average number of points gained from matches during the past 12 months and the average number of points gained from matches older than 12 months. Points are determined by a formula based on the match result, the importance of the match, the strength of the opposition and the strength of the confederation.