Brazil up to second in FIFA rankings

Brazil's Gabriel Jesus (L) celebrates with Neymar Jr after winning their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between Ecuador and Brazil at the Atahualpa stadium in Quito, on September 1, 2016.
RODRIGO BUENDIA / AFP

Brazil climbed up to second place behind continental rivals Argentina in the latest FIFA rankings released Thursday.

The Brazilians leapfrogged Germany, now in third, on the back of their strong performances in World Cup qualifiers.

Another South American team, Chile, jumped two places to fourth, ahead of Belgium and Colombia.

One of the biggest jumps belongs to the Republic of Ireland, whose three consecutive World Cup qualifier victories saw the team rise 10 places to 23rd.

FIFA standings, as of November 24, 2016

1. Argentina

2. Brazil

3. Germany

4. Chile

5. Belgium

6. Colombia

7. France

8. Portugal

9. Uruguay

10. Spain