The Republic of Ireland have jumped in to the top 30 in the FIFA World Rankings – but Martin O'Neill's side still sit behind their neighbours in the North.

O’Neill’s men rose 12 places to 42nd back in November after wins against Gibraltar, Georgia and World Cup holders Germany.

They have been rewarded again for their Euro 2016 play-off success against Bosnia-Herzegovina and now sit in 30th.

Northern Ireland stay 29th after a memorable qualification campaign in which they topped Group F to book their ticket to a first major finals since 1986. Roy Hodgson's England remain ninth.

Belgium, Ireland’s Group E rivals in France, remain the No 1 side on the planet ahead of Argentina and Spain.

Italy are 15th, while Sweden, Ireland’s other group stage opponents, are 35th.

Ireland reached their highest ever ranking of sixth back in 1993, at the peak of Jack Charlton’s golden era.

FIFA World Rankings

1 Belgium

2 Argentina

3 Spain

4 Germany

5 Chile

6 Brazil

7 Portugal

8 Colombia

9 England

10 Austria



17 Wales

29 Northern Ireland

30 Republic of Ireland

46 Scotland