Portugal Climb Into Top 10 In Latest FIFA Rankings

In November's updated FIFA world rankings, Portugal have moved up nine places from fourteenth to fifth, after their 4-2 aggregate victory over Sweden secured their place in next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Brazil also entered the top ten this month,  moving up one place from eleventh to tenth. The Confederations Cup winners enjoyed a successful November on the pitch, recording an impressive 2-1 victory over South American rivals, Chile. Off the pitch however, preparation for the FIFA World Cup suffered a major blow this week, with two construction workers being killed by the collapse of a section of Sao Paolo's new stadium.

Dropping out of the top ten this month are England, who suffered defeats at the hands of Chile (2-0) and Germany (1-0) in Wembley this month, while Belgium have fallen a massive six places to eleventh after suffering a 2-0 defeat to fourth placed Colombia. 

Elsewhere in the rankings, the Republic of Ireland's appointment of Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane has not prevented the boys in green from slipping a further seven places to 67th, and Wales have dropped 12 places to 56th. Scotland however, have moved up three places to 33rd.

The new rankings will have no effect on the seeding for the World Cup draw which is due to take place on the 6th December; the rankings as of October will be utilised instead.