Canadian men climb to No. 51 in FIFA world soccer rankings

TORONTO — Canada continues its climb up the world soccer ladder, moving eight places to No. 51 in the latest FIFA rankings.

It’s the highest position for the Canadian men since they were 53rd in October 2009. The country’s best ranking was No. 40 in December 1996.

Canada currently sits fourth in CONCACAF, behind Mexico (No. 9, unchanged), the U.S. (No. 13, down four) and Costa Rica (No. 44, unchanged). The Canadians moved past Jamaica in CONCACAF, which covers North and Central America and the Caribbean, with the Reggae Boyz falling nine places to No. 59.

John Herdman’s team started the year in 72nd place and has risen 19 positions over the last two updates.

Canada visits Mexico and Jamaica before hosting Panama (No. 68, up six) when World Cup qualifying resumes next month.

Belgium remains atop the rankings with Brazil at No. 2. England moves up one spot to No. 3 at the expense of France. Italy and Argentina are unchanged at Nos. 5 and 6, with Portugal leapfrogging Spain to take over No. 7. Mexico and Denmark complete the top 10.

France paid for a mixed month in World Cup qualifying (a win and two draws), allowing England (two wins and a draw) to crack the top three for the first time in nine years.