Germany Climbs in FIFA Rankings, Secures Favorable Position for World Cup draw
WASHINGTON D.C. – November 23, 2023 – Following the completion of regular World Cup qualifying matches, FIFA has released its latest world rankings, positioning the German national team favorably ahead of the tournament draw on December 5th. Germany rose one spot to ninth place, securing a place in the first draw and potentially avoiding preliminary round matchups with top-ranked teams like Argentina, Spain, and the World Cup hosts.
The rankings are a key factor in determining the draw pots for the 42 teams already qualified for the 48-nation tournament. Currently, Spain leads the rankings, followed by Argentina, France, and england. Croatia enters the top ten at tenth place.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team achieved this ranking boost after decisive victories over Luxembourg (2:0) and Slovakia (6:0). defender Nico Schlotterbeck expressed renewed confidence, stating, “If we play like this, it doesn’t matter whether we’re ranked 46th in the world or first, then we can beat any opponent. We want to achieve somthing. I want to go to the World Cup to win this thing!”
While the exact composition of the draw pots remains unannounced, FIFA confirmed the November rankings will be a central criterion.
The remaining six World Cup spots will be decided through playoff games in March. notably, four-time World Cup champions Italy, currently ranked twelfth after falling three places, must compete in the European playoffs.The FIFA rankings will also influence the pots for the playoff draw this Thursday, with four European places and two intercontinental spots up for grabs.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa
