Republic of Ireland slip to 61st in new FIFA world rankings

Jason Knight of the Republic of Ireland reacts after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying match against Armenia. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Heimir Hallgrimsson's Republic of Ireland have slipped one place in the new FIFA world rankings. 

Hallgrimsson's men have fallen to 61st in the world following the results of the September World Cup qualifiers, with Congo DR jumping ahead into 60th. 

Ireland could only garner a single point from the window, earned in a draw at home to Hungary, but the loss to now 103-ranked Armenia has proved to be a costly one.

Meanwhile, Spain have risen one place to 1st, dethroning long-standing leaders Argentina (3rd, down two), who had occupied the position since April 2023.

Joining Spain in surpassing the current world champions are France (2nd, up one). 

Further down, Portugal, Croatia and Italy have all moved up one spot, into 5th, 9th and 10th position, respectively, making the most of the setbacks suffered by Brazil (6th, down one) and Germany (12th, down three).