Portugal the only team inside top 10 to rise in rankings despite Ronaldo fallout
Cristiano Ronaldo's mid-window departure from the Portugal camp failed to derail his country's progress, with Portugal emerging as the only team inside the FIFA top 10 to climb the rankings in the latest update on Wednesday.
Portugal moved up two places to No. 5 after winning all four of their UEFA Nations League matches during the longest international window, beating Norway twice and Wales and Denmark once each.
The rise came amid a turbulent spell for Ronaldo, who walked out of the national team camp after accusing new head coach Jorge Jesus of breaking promises over his playing time.
Jesus left the 41-year-old on the bench without bringing him on against Norway before telling him he would not start the following game against Denmark. Ronaldo subsequently left the camp, later apologising to his teammates and supporters while insisting that his decision was a response to the coach's “broken word”.
“I owe an apology to my national team teammates for having left the camp,” Ronaldo said in a statement, while also accepting that he should be punished for his actions.
Despite the controversy and the absence of their captain for part of the window, Portugal won all four matches and secured their place in the Nations League quarterfinals with two games to spare.
Their rise was unique among the top 10, with Brazil (6th) and Morocco (7th) each dropping one place after drawing a friendly during the window.
Spain remained the world's No. 1 side and increased their lead after winning their first four Nations League matches, beating England 3-2, Croatia twice and the Czech Republic.
Argentina stayed at No. 2 after beating Benin 3-0 on Tuesday in Lionel Messi's final international appearance for the country. France and England retained third and fourth place respectively.
France and England remained third and fourth while, Belgium (8th), the Netherlands (9th) and Mexico (10th) completed the top 10 alongside Portugal.
The United States remained 16th despite a perfect 4-0-0 international window, beating Peru 4-1, Chile 4-2, Mexico 3-0 and Canada 1-0.
Rwanda were the biggest risers in the latest update, climbing nine places to No. 119, helped by their 2-1 victory over World Cup surprise package Cape Verde in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on September 29.
Sierra Leone were the biggest fallers, dropping eight places to No. 130 after losing both of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings will next be updated on November 18.
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