Germany remain fourth in FIFA rankings

Germany, who have not played any matches in 2016, remained in fourth place in the FIFA rankings, which were released on Thursday.

Like many national teams, Germany have not played in 2016; with their last game being a 2-0 defeat against France in Paris last November, a night that is remembered more for the deadly terror attacks outside of the Stade de France and elsewhere in the French capital than for the action on the field. Germany have been in fourth place since the December rankings, when they fell two places from second.

Belgium remain at the top of the March rankings, ahead of Argentina in second and Spain in third place.

The only movement in the top 20 in the latest rankings was Italy switching places with Netherlands going from 15th to 14th place. Armenia climbed seven spots in the rankings, the most of any team this month, going from 123rd to 116th. Sao Tome and Principe fell hardest, dropping 15 places, from 159th to 174th.

More movement can be expected in the next set of rankings with a number of friendlies and 2018 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for later this month. Germany are to play exhibition matches against England in Berlin on March 26, and Italy in Munich on March 29, as head coach Joachim Löw looks to get his side ready for Euro 2016 in France, which kicks off on June 10.

kd/pfd (SID, dpa)