USMNT overtakes Mexico in latest FIFA world rankings after qualifying win for Gregg Berhalter’s side

The U.S. men’s national team overcame Mexico in the latest FIFA world rankings, moving up to 12th, the top spot for a Concacaf representative (you can watch some of the Concacaf qualifying matches here). World Cup, including USMNT away matches on Supreme +).

Gregg Berhalter’s side picked up four points from six possible in last month’s World Cup qualifiers, beating El Tri 2-0 – their third win over major rivals in the calendar year – in Cincinnati before setting off for Jamaica. Those results have helped them climb to a place in FIFA rankings although they are still two places below the best place of the year they achieved in August.

Notably, while the US went up, Mexico dropped in rank. Consecutive defeats to the USMNT and Canada caused Gerardo Martino’s side to look over their shoulder in the Octagon, where they took third and final automatic qualifying for Qatar, and also saw them fall from the top 10 of the world rankings. Having lost more than 34 points, they were the furthest falters in the top 50 and are now ranked 14th in the world.

Mexico’s slide could have important implications for the World Cup. FIFA has yet to confirm the seeding criteria for the group stage draw but previous editions have seen the home team and the top seven ranked teams placed in Group One. With Italy and Portugal battling to break out of the European zone play-offs, teams as low as 9th-placed Denmark could have a chance. The draw is scheduled for April 1, leaving Mexico and the USMNT indeed with precious little time to find the seed.

Canada could also find themselves in a proper draw for the tournament, something they previously achieved only in 1986. The Canucks rose eight places in the standings this month following wins over Costa Rica and Mexico; at number 40, they occupy the highest ranking in the world since 1986.

Belgium, Brazil and France continue to be rated as the three strongest teams in world football while England and Argentina have all made the most of Italy’s wobble in the World Cup qualifiers to reach the top 5.