The Republic of Ireland has dropped two places to 19th in the latest FIFA World Rankings which were released today.
Mick McCarthy’s side, who host Russia in tonight’s friendly at Lansdowne Road, have not played a competitive game since securing World Cup qualification in Iran last November.
Ireland’s World Cup Group E opponents Cameroon have made a significant leap up the table. Winfried Schafer’s side scaled 19 places to 18th - one behind the Republic of Ireland - after their retention of the African Cup of Nations title at the weekend.
Senegal, runners-up to Cameroon in that final, made a notable move themselves, climbing from 68th spot to 45th.
Mexico advance one position to join the Netherlands in eighth spot while reigning World and European champions France retain the number one berth.
South America’s finest - Argentina and Brazil - are second and third respectively.
England, who play the Netherlands this evening, are 10th while Scotland drop one place to 51st.
Northern Ireland, who play away to Poland tonight, dropped four places to 92nd.
Wales host the mighty Argentina in Cardiff tonight but have slipped one position to 101st.
FIFA World Rankings
1. France 809 pts
2. Argentina 799
3. Brazil 791
4. Portugal 738
5. Colombia 737
6. Italy 731
7. Spain 727
8=. Holland 720
8=. Mexico 720
10. England 709
11. Yugoslavia 707
12. Germany 704
13. United States 696
14. Paraguay 689
15. Czech Republic 686
16. Romania 684
17. Sweden 679
18. Cameroon 673
19=. Denmark 670
19=. Republic of Ireland 670