Republic of Ireland rise to record 24th in rankings after qualifying for 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup
The Republic of Ireland women's team have risen two places to their highest ever mark of 24th in the latest FIFA world rankings.Ireland qualified for next year's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, their first ever major tournament, following a 1-0 play-off victory over Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday night.Vera Pauw's team will be in Pot 3 for the draw in Auckland on Saturday 22 October (7:30am Irish time).Reigning world champions the USA remain first in the rankings, Ireland's qualifying opponents Sweden are up to second, Germany are down one place to third and Euros winners England are fourth.In the latest men's rankings, released last week, Ireland were down two places to 49th, their joint-lowest position in eight years.
The record low was 67th In November 2013.Brazil are top with European champions Italy only rated sixth behind Belgium, Argentina, World Cup holders France and England.