The Republic of Ireland are unchanged in 18th position in the official FIFA World Rankings which were released today.
Mick McCarthy’s side share that position with their World Cup Group E opponents Cameroon who improve one spot from last month’s placing.
The Republic of Ireland continue their World Cup preparation tonight when they host the United States at Lansdowne Road. The visitors are ranked five places higher than Ireland in 13th.
Germany, who Ireland play in Ibaraki on June 5th, drop two places to 12th while Saudi Arabia - Ireland’s remaining Group E opponents - improve one place to 35th.
Reigning World and European champions France continue to set the pace in top spot. Brazil climb into second and relegate Argentina to third.
England, who last month dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since August 2001, improve one place to 11th.
Berti Vogts’ Scotland host Nigeria at Pittodrie tonight but drop one place to 52nd. Northern Ireland entertain Spain at Windsor Park tonight and improve one placing to 91st while Wales remain unchanged in 97th.
Of the 32 World Cup qualifiers only China are outside the top 50 and that by only one place at 51st.
FIFA World Rankings
1France 810 pts
2Brazil 787
3Argentina 786
4Colombia 731
5Portugal 726
6Italy 722
7Mexico 715
- Spain 715
9Netherlands 714
10Yugoslavia 702
11England 698
12Germany 697
13United States 694
14Czech Republic 678
- Paraguay 678
16Romania 673
17Sweden 671
18Cameroon 670
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Republic of Ireland 670
20Denmark 660
- Uruguay 660