First nation in the Fifa Ranking since Argentina’s defeat against Uruguay, France has a golden opportunity to end the year on top.
Didier Deschamps’ men did not give details on Saturday against Gibraltar. The Blues won 14-0, achieving not only the biggest success in their history but also the biggest victory in a qualifying campaign for the Euro. However, unlike what is done in women’s football, where the score is taken into account, France only collected 0.51 points in the Fifa Ranking.
The Blues nevertheless consolidated their first place, now almost 10 points ahead of Argentina, who had abandoned their throne following their surprise defeat against Uruguay. The Albiceleste could get back on France’s heels with a victory over Brazil next night, but whatever happens, France will remain in the lead if they succeed in their final match of the year on Tuesday evening , in Greece.
In which case, the Blues will end 2023 in first place in the ranking. A historic performance since France has only had this honor once in its history, in 2001. In 1998 as in 2018, France was only in second place despite its world title, ahead of by Brazil in 1998 and Belgium in 2018. After the coronation in Russia, the Blues had certainly ascended the throne but quickly abandoned their first place.
