Despite the US’s surprising run in Brazil this past month, it actually dropped in its FIFA world rankings from 13th to 15th, leapfrogged by countries like Chile, France and the Netherlands. The US managed to advance from the Group of Death, only to lose 2-1 to fifth-ranked Belgium in the first knockout round.
Germany, which entered the World Cup ranked No. 2, finished atop the rankings after winning its first title since 1990. Its 1-0 extra time defeat over Argentina last Sunday gave Germany its fourth World Cup title. Argentina jumped three spots up to No. 2.
The biggest beneficiaries from strong World Cup showings were the Dutch, now ranked No. 3 after they made it to the semifinals, and the darlings of the tournament, Costa Rica. Los Ticos stunned the football world by winning Group D with seven points, defeating Greece, and then nearly shocking the Netherlands before a penalty kick defeat. They jumped from 28th to 16th as a result of Costa Rica’s first-ever quarterfinals appearance.
Here are the new new top 20 in FIFA's rankings:
1. Germany (+1)
2. Argentina (+3)
3. Netherlands (+12)
4. Colombia (+4)
5. Belgium (+6)
6. Uruguay (+1)
7. Brazil (-4)
8. Spain (-7)
9. Switzerland (-3)
10. France (+7)
11. Portugal (-7)
12. Chile (+2)
13. Greece (-1)
14. Italy (-5)
15. USA (-2)
16. Costa Rica (+12)
17. Croatia (+1)
18. Mexico (+2)
19. Bosnia and Herzegovina (+2)
20. England (-10)
