XtraTime Web Desk: Steady news for Indian football fans ahead of the much awaited AFC Asian Cup 2019, as Stephen Constantine’s Indian football team have retained their 97th spot in the world rankings.
FIFA says Belgium are a single ranking point – 1,727 to 1,726 – ahead of a French team which won their World Cup semi-final in Russia. Brazil are No. 3 and World Cup runner-up Croatia are No. 4 in a mostly unchanged monthly ranking.
England and Portugal, who both qualified last month for the UEFA Nations League Final Four tournament, are Nos. 5 and 6.
Uruguay, Switzerland, Spain, and Denmark complete the top 10.
Iran at No. 29 will be the highest-ranked Asian team at the Asian Cup starting on January 5.
Qatar, the 2022 World Cup hosts, are No. 93. Senegal is Africa’s best team at No. 23.
Mexico lead CONCACAF region teams at No. 17 and the United States are No. 25.