The Republic of Ireland have dropped to 58th in the latest FIFA World Rankings which have been released today.
Results since Stephen Kenny’s appointment as manager in 2020 has seen the team drop from 34th in the rankings.
Ireland are set to be third seeds for the 2026 World Cup draw. The World Cup qualifying draw will see 12 groups of four or five teams.
Europe will have 16 teams in the 2026 World Cup with Group winners will qualifying directly for the finals.
The Play-off stage will comprise of 16 teams. They are the 12 group runner-up’s and four team based on the Nations League overall ranking.
The play-off’s will be drawn into four play-off paths. Playing two rounds of single-match playoffs (semi-finals) with the seeded teams to host. Followed by finals (with the home teams to be drawn). The four path winners will qualify for the World Cup finals.
World champions Argentina are the top ranked team, with France second, Brazil third and England fourth.
Meanwhile, Wales are ranked 28th, Scotland 34th and Northern Ireland 75th.
Ireland’s final opponents in Euro 2024 qualifying the Netherlands are ranked seventh. Stephen Kenny’s tenure as manager is expected to end after a home game with New Zealand on November 21. Whereas, New Zealand are currently ranked 103rd.
