How Does FIFA Rank Teams? A Guide to the FIFA World Ranking

Before teams are ranked, there are many factors that are considered by the system. The result of a match, the strength of the opponent, the importance of the competition, and the expected results. This means that a team that defeats a highly ranked team in an important tournament can have a greater impact on a team’s ranking than winning a routine friendly against a lower-ranked opponent.

What Is the FIFA World Ranking?

FIFA World Ranking is a ranking system for both men’s and women’s national football teams. It provides a method of ranking sides on the basis of how they have performed in international football.

FIFA normally updates the ranking after international matches that are under or recognised by the organisation. The rankings are influenced by tournament seeding, qualification procedures, and how teams are viewed internationally.

How Does FIFA Calculate Team Rankings?

FIFA ranking system is based on a point-system calculation. A team’s ranking points change after each eligible international match. The calculations consider these things:

New points = Previous points + Match importance × Result impact. The result effects depend on whether the team wins, draws, or loses and how that result compares with the expected result.

A simplified formula is:

P = Pbefore + I × (W − We)

Where:

• P = the team’s new ranking points
• Pbefore = points before the match
• I = importance of the match
• W = actual match result
• We = expected match result

This approach rewards teams for achieving better results than expected.

1. Match Result Matters

The most obvious thing that is being considered is the importance of the match results. A win earns a team more ranking points than a draw, and a loss can make a team lose points. But the number of points gained or lost is not the same in every match.

For example, defeating a much stronger opponent can produce a larger ranking benefit than beating a considerably weaker team.

2. Opponent Strength Is Important

The FIFA ranking system takes the power of the opposition into account. Good points are earned when a highly ranked team is defeated by another highly ranked team. A side that loses to a team that it was expected to beat, in contrast, might face a heavy points deduction.

This prevents the ranking from rewarding teams for racking up wins against lower-ranked teams.

3. Match Importance Affects Ranking Points

Not all international matches have the same value. The ranking system values competitive games more than friendly matches. This means games in major international tournaments like the World Cup and key qualifying matches are more likely to have an impact on a team’s ranking.

How the team’s performance in a major competition can have a much bigger effect than its performance in a less important game like a friendly.

4. Expected Results Influence the Calculation

FIFA’s system also looks at what result was anticipated before the match. Imagine a top team playing against a lower-ranked team. The team that’s better should win. If it does, then a change in ranking may be relatively modest.

But if the underdog wins, the outcome is surprising and can lead to a much greater change in ranking points. This is why surprising victories can mean huge leaps in the FIFA World Ranking.

5. Penalty Shootouts Are Treated Differently

The ranking calculation also takes into account knockout matches decided by a penalty shootout.

The system decides between winning/losing in normal or extra time and winning/losing through a penalty shootout. This means teams do not receive the same ranking adjustment after a shootout as they would after a standard win or defeat.

Why Is the FIFA Ranking Important?

The FIFA World Ranking is not just a list of the best national teams.

It can be used for tournament seeding and other football uses. A high ranking can also be an indication of consistent international success and provide fans, analysts, and football organisations with a useful way to compare national teams.

However, rankings are not always an accurate reflection of the current ability of the teams. A team’s squad, injuries, form, coaching changes and more can all change fast.

Overview

FIFA ranks national football teams on a points-based system based on match results, strength of opponent, match importance and expected results. The system is made to reward strong performances, giving greater significance to important matches and unexpected results.

Provided with this knowledge, it is easier to understand why a team can shoot up the rankings after beating a highly ranked team or lose points after a surprise defeat. The FIFA World Ranking is a method of standardising the comparison of men’s national teams based on their international performances. This also helps you to understand the teams that are favourites to potentially win the match if you want to place a soccer bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does FIFA update the rankings?

FIFA updates the men’s world ranking following international match periods and other eligible matches. The exact timing depends on FIFA’s international football calendar.

Does winning always increase a team’s ranking?

Not necessarily. A team’s ranking change depends on factors such as the strength of the opponent, the importance of the match, and the expected result.

Can a friendly match affect the FIFA ranking?

Yes. Eligible international friendly matches can affect ranking points, although their weighting is generally lower than that of more important competitive matches.

Why can a team lose ranking points after a draw?

A draw can result in a loss of points when a team was strongly expected to win. The ranking system compares the actual result with the expected result.

Who is number one in the FIFA rankings?

The number one team changes over time as national teams play international matches. For the latest ranking, FIFA’s official ranking table should be consulted.