FIFA World Rankings

The FIFA World Rankings are based on a country’s performance in international competitions over the past four years, such as the World Cup or the EURO. All FIFA member countries are included in the list. In order to keep the ranking as up-to-date as possible, the most recent results are weighted more than the older results. In addition, World Cup and European Championship matches (as well as the respective qualification) are weighted more heavily than, for example, friendly matches. Accordingly, decisive matches have a greater influence on the ranking.

Changes to the points system

The points system has changed several times since its introduction in 1992, including the possibility for teams to play friendly matches against inferior opponents to improve their ranking. This is no longer possible to the same extent.

Another change that has been made is that the FIFA World Ranking is based on the last four years instead of eight, as it was before.