The FIFA World Ranking’s October 17 release looks a bit controversial ahead of the UEFA World Cup qualifying playoff draws on October 21, 2013.

October 2013 FIFA Ranking after World Cup Qualifying results of the monthFIFA World Cup – 21 qualified nations as of October 2013

On October 15, seven countries added their names to the list of World Cup 2014 participants. The current 21 contenders are:

- Asia: Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia

- CONCACAF: United States of America, Costa Rica, Honduras

- CONMEBOL: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador

- UEFA: Spain, England, Russia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany.

 

No African country has officially booked its place in next year’s World Cup as the format of qualification ends with two-legged playoff ties, the second legs of which are scheduled to take place in November. 

UEFA World Cup qualifying playoffs

Meanwhile, these are the European teams that finished as the eight best runners-up in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers: 

Group A: Croatia; Group C: Romania; Group E: Iceland; Group F: Portugal; Group G: Greece; Group H: Ukraine; Group I: France. 

Pot 1: Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Ukraine

Pot 2: France, Iceland, Romania, Sweden

How will and should these eight European teams be paired? Which of these nations deserve to appear at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil?

World Cup Qualifying - Where to watch matches live

LiveSoccerTV offers you exclusive live stream and TV channel listings for each World Cup qualifying match. Click on the link below to stay updated:

- World Cup full fixtures, results, live listings

FIFA Rankings – October 17, 2013 release

Germany have leapfrogged Argentina into second while Belgium are now considered as the fifth best football nation in the world. Italy have moved four places down and are just one place above England who have jumped seven places up.

Incredibly, Brazil are out of the Top 10, having dropped three places down despite their victories over Korea Republic and Zambia in which Neymar and Oscar showcased great talent. The United States will be happy with the standings as they remain 13th, a spot above Portugal.  There is also good news for Africa’s Cote d’Ivoire (17th) and Ghana (23rd) as they moved two and one places up respectively on the chart. 

Top 20 - October 17, 2013 FIFA World Ranking