Canada has fallen into the top 50 on the FIFA World List and climbed three places to 48th according to the latest figures.
The Canadians started in 72nd place but grew steadily with a 20-2 to 11-2-4 record in 2021, which saw John Herdman’s side in the final round of World Cup qualifying. CONCACAF, which covers North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Canada’s only losses were against the United States and Mexico in the Gold Cup. The Canadians won their opposition in 52 to 10 years.
Canada entered the World Cup qualifying rounds in Mexico (1-1) and Jamaica (0-0) and won a new 4-1 ranking by visiting Panama for a full period. According to FIFA, 160 matches were played during this period.
The Canadians are fourth in CONCACAF, ninth for Mexico, 13 for the Americans and 45 for Costa Rica, which is down one step.
In the top 50 are tangible benefits, especially for players looking to land a UK contract. Since Brexit, the UK has introduced a points-based system for work permits. Hitting the Top 50 should help Canadian players get a visa.
Canada’s top ranking was 40th in December 1996. But the new ranking marks the first time Canadians have entered the top 50 since FIFA overhauled its ranking formula in 2018.
Canada will host Costa Rica and Mexico in Edmonton as the World Cup qualifiers continue next month.
Belgium remains in the lead with Brazil in second place. France and Italy gain a place in third and fourth place, while England lose two places in fifth place. Argentina remains unchanged in sixth place and Spain (one more), Portugal (one less), Mexico and Denmark.
Germany climbed to 12th place in two places, from 15th in the United States to Uruguay, three steps lower, losing the most countries in the top 20.
New Zealand (No.111, up 10) and Indonesia (No.165, up 10) were the main drivers for the month. The biggest loser was Northern Ireland (# 58, Fall 11).
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In February 2002, Canada moved from 19th to 73rd thanks to its third place in the Gold Cup. At the time, it was Canada’s fastest rise in soccer since winning the 2000 Gold Cup, when it climbed 24 places to 61st place. .
In June 2007, Canada moved up from 38th to 94th to 56th qualifying for the Gold Cup semi-finals and reached 52nd place the following month.
Canada’s all-time low was 122, which it hit suspiciously in August and October 2014.
The Canadians, gold medalists at the recent Olympic Games in Tokyo, are currently ranked sixth in FIFA.
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