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FIFA has announced its latest world rankings for April 2021. Some traditional footballing powerhouses like Brazil, Argentina and Spain make the top 10 while some big names like Germany and Netherlands miss out.
While the European nations have played World Cup qualifiers recently, the South American countries did not play in the most recent international break because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
This has led to some European teams gaining places ahead of some South American countries in the rankings list.
With the Euros and Copa America coming up in the summer, there could be a lot of movement in the international rankings list this year. Without further ado, let us take a look into the top 10 countries in the latest edition of FIFA World Rankings.
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Note: India is ranked #105 (1 position lower than their ranking in February)
#10 Denmark | Points: 1631.55
Making their way into the top 10 for the first time this year is Denmark. The Scandinavian country put in some impressive performances in the World Cup qualifiers held during the last international break.
Stars like Christian Eriksen, Kasper Schmeichel, Andres Christensen and many others have the experience of playing at the top levels of the game and they could be a tough side to beat in the upcoming European championships.
Both Denmark's attack and defense were firing on all cylinders during the World Cup qualifiers as they scored an incredible 14 goals in 3 matches and managed to keep 3 clean sheets as well.
Denmark's men's football national team truly deserves its place in the top 10.
#9 Uruguay | Points: 1639.08
Uruguay dropped one place from February's FIFA rankings and are currently in the 9th position. However, they have not been in international action since last November as their South American World Cup qualifiers were postponed due to Covid 19.
The two biggest stars in the national team are still the veteran strike duo of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. Both have already put in some good performances for Atletico Madrid and Manchester United respectively this season.
With promising youngsters like Valverde and Giminez ready to step up and take charge, Uruguay will be confident of a strong showing in the Copa America tournament this summer.
#8 Argentina | Points: 1641.95
Just like Uruguay, Argentina have also dropped a place to be 8th in the latest edition of the FIFA rankings. Having last played a match in November, Argentina are undefeated in their World Cup qualifying campaign so far and sit in second position behind Brazil.
With the likes of Lionel Messi, Paulo Dybala, Angel Di Maria and many other superstars in their ranks, Argentina are always capable of winning any major tournament and will be one of the favorites heading into the Copa America this summer.
With a crucial 2 months of international football coming up in June and July, Lionel Messi will be determined to guide his country to glory and finally win his first major international trophy.
#7 Italy | Points: 1642.06
The team that has gained the most positions (3) in the top 10 of the FIFA Rankings, Italy is currently in 7th position. Roberto Mancini's side have been in fine form and have been one of the most consistent national teams in the last few months.
Having made the UEFA Nations League semi-finals and winning all 3 of their World Cup qualifying matches so far, Italy have a solid group of players capable of winning against any team in the world.
The Azzuri have a good mix of youth and experience with young talents like Nicolo Barella, Federico Chiesa and Manuel Locatelli combining excellently with experienced players like Bonucci, Chiellini and Immobile.
Roberto Mancini has done an excellent job with Italy and they could well rise up the rankings list in the future.
#6 Spain | Points: 1648.13
Sitting in 6th position in the FIFA World Rankings is the Spanish men's national team. Coach Luis Enrique has successfully introduced a lot of young players into the team. However, La Roja still look far from the finished product and will need to be at their very best in the Euros.
The Spaniards have had some impressive results in the last few months. They finished ahead of Germany in the UEFA Nations League to make it into the semi-finals and they are also currently top of their World Cup Qualifying group.
While Sergio Ramos continues to lead the team, youngsters like Ferran Torres, Marcos Llorente and Dani Olmo have all played crucial and starring roles for Luis Enrique's side.
With talented players like Ansu Fati and Pedri breaking through as well, the future is definitely bright for the Spanish national team.
#5 Portugal | Points: 1666.12
Portugal have one of the most complete international squads in the world, but recent results have not been too good for Fernando Santos' men. After failing to finish ahead of France in the UEFA Nations League, Portugal were held to a controversial 2-2 draw against Serbia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier match.
With Cristiano Ronaldo still going strong and the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias all in top form, Portugal will be confident of putting up an extremely strong showing at the European Championships this summer.
A squad brimming with talent, experience and determination, Portugal will be looking to defend their Euro title and make the most of their incredible squad depth in the coming months.
#4 England | Points: 1686.78
England have been difficult to beat under Gareth Southgate and have achieved some level of consistency in their results. After finishing under Belgium and Denmark in their UEFA Nations League group, the Three Lions started the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in perfect fashion, winning all 3 of their matches.
The fitness of star striker Harry Kane will be crucial to England's hopes at the Euros and Southgate will be hoping that the Tottenham Hotspur man steers clear of injury until the end of the season.
England, under Gareth Southgate, are not too flashy and have a penchant for grinding out results. They will be hoping to end their long international trophy drought in the summer.
#3 Brazil | Points: 1742.65
Traditional World Cup powerhouses Brazil come in third position in April's edition of the FIFA world rankings. The Selecao just like their other South American compatriots, have not played a competitive fixture since November.
Under Tite, Brazil have become extremely consistent and are capable of blowing away opposition as well as defending resolutely. Blessed with attacking flair, an imaginative midfield, and defensive solidity, Brazil will start off the Copa America tournament in the summer as favorites.
With the likes of Neymar, Casemiro and Marquinhos, Brazil have players who are capable of winning games singlehandedly. With so much talent available, it will be interesting to see which players make the final squad for the Copa America tournament in June.
#2 France | Points: 1757.3
2018 World Cup champions France are the second placed team in the FIFA world rankings. Blessed with incredible squad depth, Les Blues have put in some stunning performances in the last few years.
With Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe playing starring roles for manager Didier Deschamps, France have had a good run of results in the last few months, making the UEFA Nations League semi-finals and topping their World Cup qualification group.
A firm favorite heading into the European championships, France will be determined to go one step further this time around after they heartbreakingly fell to Portugal in the 2016 final.
#1 Belgium | Points: 1783.38
Continuing their reign at the top, Belgium is the number one ranked men's football team in the world at the moment. The Red Devils have a squad filled with an array of attacking talent and fans will be hoping that their 'golden generation' lifts a major international trophy soon.
Belgium are in a strong position at the moment having made the UEFA Nations League semi-finals and starting the World Cup qualifiers in confident fashion. For Belgium to finally win the Euros, however, both Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard will have to be free of any injuries and Roberto Martinez will be hoping that his star players recover in time for the summer spectacle.
One of the most consistent teams in the last few years, Belgian fans will finally be hoping to end their trophy drought and live up to their numero uno world ranking in the coming months.
