Latest FIFA rankings: Ivory Coast top of the continent

As Africa warms up for the CHAN 2016 final pitting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mali this Sunday, world governing soccer body, FIFA, has published the latest rankings.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast emerged top in Africa, but have however fallen nine places globally to rest at the 28th position. Michel Dussuyer’s men who face Guinea in Rwanda for the third place playoff in an all ‘West African derby’ have the highest climber, Cape Verde closely behind them.

The Blue Sharks, 33rd in the world, have gradually improved ever since their first few steps – so much so that, alongside Algeria, they were the first team to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, after defeating Mozambique 1–0 at home.

With a lack of international fixtures to affect the rankings, there haven’t been much changes compared to the previous ranking released in January.

The top 18 teams remain unchanged, with Belgium leading the world giants atop the standings. Argentina, Spain, Germany, Chile and Brazil are ranked 2nd through 6th respectively.

Top 10 teams in Africa

Ivory Coast

Cape Verde

Algeria

Ghana

Senegal

Tunisia

Congo

Egypt

DR Congo

Guinea