FIFA World Rankings February Update: Nicaragua and Panama Biggest Risers

The story of the newly released FIFA World Rankings is focused on the immense movement of Nicaragua and Panama as the top eleven nations remain the same due to a lack of matches over the past month.

Nicaragua’s elevation to 132nd – a move which saw them rise 50 positions – can largely be pinpointed down to the nation’s recent success in the UNCAF Nations Cup. The nation qualified for the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time in their history as they upset the odds to beat Guatemala 2-0 and steal fifth place. Panama prevailed as champions of the tournament and their first international title was rewarded by climbing 33 rankings into the top 50.

Elsewhere, Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland have jumped eight places into 29th as they return to the top 30 for the first time in almost three years while Romania have leaped into 17th place. Egypt suffered a contrasting fortune as they plummeted fifteen rankings to 30th.



Expect the March edition to feature more high-flyers and let-downs as internationals feature more prominently in 2009 with the decisive qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup approaching rapidly.