World governing body Fifa has announced its final rankings from this summer‘s World Cup.
The list gives a definite place from 1 to 48 to every team that participated in the finals in North America. Fifa used the criteria below to finalise its list:
- Total number of points from matches across all stages (matches which go to a penalty shoot-out count as draws)
- Goal difference from matches across all stages
- Number of goals scored from matches across all stages
- If two or more teams are still tied after applying the above criteria they share the same final rank
Unsurprisingly, Morocco were the highest placed among sides from the Middle East and North Africa, placed equal seventh with Switzerland on the list. Mohamed Ouahbi’s team reached the last eight in style before being eliminated by France.
Next up among regional teams is Egypt. The Pharaohs were a surprise package this summer. A history-making performance saw them win a World Cup game, qualify out of the group stage and win a knockout-stage match, all for the first time.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
France supporters struggle to watch as their side fall to defeat against Spain, at a viewing party in Los Angeles. EPA -
-
-
-
-
-
Egypt supporters watch their team take on defending champions Argentina in Atlanta. EPA -
Argentina fans roar their side on to victory in Atlanta. EPA -
-
-
-
-
-
Swiss fans show their support during the match with Algeria. EPA -
-
-
-
-
At the other end of the scale, the list does not make pretty reading for Iraq, who came 48th out of 48. Graham Arnold’s side were handed a tough draw alongside France, Norway and Senegal.
Tunisia, who sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi after their opening game, came in 47th.
Debutants Jordan placed 44th, Qatar 41st and Saudi Arabia 38th. Algeria, the only other Arab nation to reach the knockouts, came in 30th.
