Portugal jumps to 5th in FIFA rankings; Spain stays No. 1

Portugal climbed two places to fifth in the latest FIFA world rankings released on Wednesday. The rise came after Portugal won all four of its UEFA Nations League matches in the October window, beating Norway twice, Wales and Denmark. Spain consolidated its lead at No. 1 after sweeping its first four Nations League matches, beating England 3-2, Croatia twice and the Czech Republic. Argentina stayed second after beating Benin 3-0 in what was reported as Lionel Messi’s final match for his country. France and England round out the top four. Brazil and Morocco each fell one place to sixth and seventh after drawing friendlies. Belgium, the Netherlands and Mexico complete the top 10. Portugal was the only team in the top 10 to move up. Switzerland jumped two places to 12th, overtaking Germany and Croatia. Mali and South Africa rose six places each to 47th and 48th. Rwanda was the biggest riser, jumping nine spots to 119th. The United States stayed at No. 16. The next rankings update is set for November 18.
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