Peru’s performance during the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers has pushed them into the FIFA World Rankings top 10 for the first time in history.
Following Los Incas’ unbeaten record during 2017, which included positive results against Ecuador, Uruguay, and Bolivia, as well as a 0-0 draw away at Argentina, the international soccer governing body has updated its rankings. Peru rose from 19th place the previous year.
When considering its rankings, FIFA analyses results from full internationals over the past four years. This system gives more weight to recent and significant matches, to further demonstrate the competitive state of the team.
The top 10 contains three other teams from South America, including Brazil (2nd), Argentina (4th), and Chile (9th).
Following a period of German dominance internationally, Die Mannschaft remains at the top, with Portugal in third spot, Belgium in fifth, Poland in sixth, France seventh and Spain in eighth.
The best mover in the rankings is Turkmenistan, who rose 22 places up to the 114th spot. By comparison, a disappointing qualifying campaign for Ecuador, which resulted in them missing out on the World Cup in Russia next year, saw them drop 25 spots to 60th place.
Peru is one of five other nations who have achieved their best-ever ranking. The others include Palestine, up seven positions from 91, Luxembourg, up eight from 101, Comoros, who moved from 141 to 127, and Chinese Tapei, moving from 151 to 143.
Peru’s place will soon be under contention with their upcoming play-off qualifier against the Oceania Football Confederation’s (OFC) Group A winners New Zealand (ranked 122), which will take place over two legs on November 10 and 15.
