Qatar 2022: Brazil to be Number 1 team at World Cup as FIFA reveals new rankings

London, October 6: Brazil will be the number one side in the world when the Qatar 2022 World Cup starts next month, after strengthening their lead in the FIFA rankings.

The Selecao head into this year's tournament looking to break a two-decade hold by European nations on the sport's top prize, having been the last country from outside the continent to triumph at the South Korea and Japan 2002 finals.

Tite's side have slightly stretched their points advantage above second-placed Belgium, whom they displaced atop the list in March.

Brazil and Belgium head up an unchanged top five, with Argentina remaining at number three, World Cup holders France at four and England – who have endured a dismal 2022 – in fifth place.

The Three Lions will top the strongest group at Qatar 2022, Group B, when taken on points, with fellow nations the United States, Wales and Iran all ranked inside the top 20.

Italy, who are the highest-ranked nation not qualified for the World Cup, have forced the only move inside the FIFA top 10 as they head to sixth from seventh in a straight swap with Spain.

FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking is out!
Brazil increase their lead at the top
Big gains for Scotland, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Georgia, Mauritania and Suriname
Only change in top is Italy leapfrogging Spain
https://t.co/l8xCZVumLX pic.twitter.com/yZpd94P41R

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) October 6, 2022

The Netherlands, Portugal and Denmark round out the top 10, with Germany just beyond them at number 11, ahead of 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia.

The lowest-ranked side at this year's tournament will be Ghana, who sit at 61st on the FIFA list, while hosts Qatar are in 50th place.

(With OPTA Input)