Ireland fall outside top 50 in FIFA rankings

The Republic of Ireland men's team have dropped to 52nd in the latest FIFA world rankings.

Stephen Kenny's side have effectively swapped places with Greece, who recently defeated Ireland 2-1 in a crucial qualifier in Athens.

Ireland drop three to 52nd, with the Greeks slipping into 49th spot. The Irish side are the 27th highest among the 55 UEFA affiliated nations.

This is the side's worst ranking since the early part of 2015, when they sat in 67nd spot before an uptick in form in the latter part of the year propelled Martin O'Neill's side to Euro 2016 qualification.

Republic of Ireland's best ever world ranking is 6th, achieved in the summer of 1993.

Ireland's Group rivals France remain in 2nd in the current rankings, behind world champions Argentina. Netherlands, another of Ireland's Group B foes, are currently 7th in the world.

Ahead of their World Cup adventure in Australia, The Republic of Ireland women's team are currently 22nd in the FIFA rankings.