The U.S. men’s national team jumped 10 places to No. 10 in FIFA’s world rankings Thursday in the first update of the rankings since May.
The Americans captured the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Aug. 1 with a 1-0 victory in the final over Mexico. The continental championship helped the U.S. catapult up the board, ahead of traditional soccer powers like Germany.
In an ironic twist, Mexico remained slightly ahead of the U.S. in the rankings, moving up to No. 9.
The rankings are crucial right before a World Cup. FIFA uses them to determine “pots” for the draw so highly-ranked teams won’t be drawn into the same group.
The U.S. is looking for a bounce-back performance at the 2022 World Cup after failing to qualify in 2018.
Belgium hung onto the No. 1 world ranking, and Brazil moved into second after reaching the Copa America final, where it lost to No. 6 Argentina.
Reigning World Cup champion France is No. 3, England is No. 4 and Italy moved up to No. 5 after defeating England in the Euro final in July.
–Field Level Media