Republic fall two places in FIFA rankings

The Republic of Ireland's failure to qualify for next year's World Cup has cost them two places while the Czech Republic climbed to second in the latest FIFA world rankings following their play-off victory against Norway last week.

The Republic of Ireland slipped to 23rd.

Spain also booked their place in the World Cup next year through the play-offs, and they moved up two places to sixth, leapfrogging Mexico and USA.

Victory over Argentina only consolidated England’s position at ninth, while Scotland rank 61st, Wales are 72nd and Northern Ireland 101st.

Australia (49th) broke into the top 50 after their play-off win against Uruguay, helping them qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1974.