South Sudan Make Huge Leap in Latest FIFA Rankings

South Sudan has climbed 11 places in the latest FIFA rankings released by the world’s soccer governing body this afternoon in Zurich, Switzerland.

The country was ranked 173rd last month, but the latest rating places South Sudan at position 162 with 977 points.

South Sudan’s ranking at the continental level now stands at position 45. The national team, Bright Stars , is the best mover in the East African bloc. The ranking step up comes after 3-1 aggregate victory over Seychelles in Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round of qualifiers earlier this month.

Bright Stars may climb the rankings ladder further should the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) find them friendly matches ahead of their opening Group B match against Burkina Faso in November.

Burkina Faso moved one place to 60 on the table, reflecting the high level of the game in the West African country.

Meanwhile, in the Cecafa region, Uganda lead the zone with 1305 points. They are placed 79th after rising by one slot.

Victor Wanyama’s skippered Harambee Stars sit second having collected 1201 and now sit at position 108th globally after dropping one place to position 108^th.

Sudan come third in the 128th position followed by Rwanda and Tanzania in the 129^th and 133^rd position on the global rankings respectively.

Burundi follows with 1059 points and sit at position 146^th globally while Ethiopia follows at 151st position with 1054 points.

Senegal remained the highest-ranked African nation, finding themselves in 20th position in the world rankings.

Globally, Belgium stayed at the top after thrashing San Marino 9-0 and beating Kazakhstan 2-0 in their 2020 UEFA European Championship qualifiers.

Brazil are their closest chasers, but they could not make up any ground following two 1-1 draws against African giants Senegal and Nigeria, while France complete the top three.