FIFA World Rankings October 2021: Top 10 Nations

#3 France- 1779.24 points

Spain v France – UEFA Nations League 2021 Final

You just need to take a look at the players France left out for the Euros this summer to understand the strength and depth of their talent.

Didier Deschamps arguably came under pressure for the first time as France boss after his team bowed out of the Euros in the Round of 16. Given that France have the best roster of players to choose from at the international level, they were expected to win the tournament.

They bounced back strongly, though, and beat Spain to win the UEFA Nations League. France will once again be the favourites to lift the World Cup next year, as they did in 2018. Another poor tournament could spell the end for Deschamps, with many clamouring for the appointment of Zinedine Zidane.

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#2 Brazil- 1820.36 points

Brazil v Uruguay - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar Qualifier

Brazil lost the Copa America 2021 final to Argentina, in a match that was promoted as the clash between Neymar and Lionel Messi.

One of the best forwards in the world, Neymar recently announced that the World Cup next year will most likely be his last for Brazil. The Selecao's superstar and talisman, Neymar, like Messi, has struggled with expectations at the international level. Despite world-class individual performances, the Paris Saint-Germain man has not been able to lead Brazil to international success.

Brazil manager Tite has a talented squad to work with. Neymar would certainly like to bow out of the international arena with success in the World Cup, but that is easier said than done.

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#1 Belgium- 1832.33 points

Finland v Belgium - UEFA Euro 2020: Group B

It is hard to justify Belgium's position at the top of the FIFA rankings. There is no denying that they are one of the better teams in international football, but ultimately they have done little given the talent in the squad.

The Golden Generation of Belgium has failed to live up to expectations. They reached the quarter-finals of the Euros and the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, but much more is expected from them. The likes of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have now entered the final stages of their professional careers, while Eden Hazard's injury issues have been extensively covered.

The World Cup next year will most likely be the last tournament for Belgium's Golden Generation of players. There will be pressure on Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois in particular. Manager Roberto Martinez could soon leave the job as he continues to attract interest from various top clubs, including Barcelona.

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