The US men’s team rose to 13th place in the new FIFA world rankings. Gregg Berhalter’s team was previously ranked 16th before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It’s the highest the Americans have been in the ratings since February, where they also ranked 13th.
A move up the rankings was aided by a strong showing at the tournament. Although the USMNT was knocked out of the round of 16 by the Netherlands, they played well in most games. Despite winning just one group stage match, they were arguably the better team in all three matches. This includes playing better than a top England team as well.
The Americans have two friendlies scheduled for January. They will face Serbia on the 25th and Colombia on the 28th. Both matches will be played in the Los Angeles area. Serbia is currently ranked 29th, while Colombia sits at 17th.
The United States and Argentina, winners of the World Cup, follow Brazil in the FIFA world rankings
Outside of the USMNT, one of the more interesting headlines to come from the new rankings is the fact that Argentina is not number one. Brazil retained its place as the best team ranked by FIFA.
The 2022 World Cup winners only moved up to second in the rankings. Argentina’s South American rival Brazil narrowly retained its number one spot. Brazil left the tournament in the quarterfinals after losing to Croatia on penalties.
Morocco, Canada heading in different directions
The Cinderella Morocco team was one of the fastest moving in the updated rankings. The African nation jumped as high as number 11 after reaching the World Cup semi-finals. Morocco was previously ranked 22nd in the rankings before the tournament began.
Canada suffered the biggest drop in the rankings after a disappointing performance at the World Cup. The North American team dropped 12 places to 53rd place on the list. Canada failed to pick up a single point in the tournament in Qatar.
PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
