Bafana move to 64th in Fifa World Rankings

Bafana Bafana is in 13th spot in Africa, as you also got to take into account their friendly defeat against Zambia.

Stuart Baxter's fielding weakened teams to introduce new players, but poor results in friendlies will count against SA in the rankings.

The new coach will have to rethink his strategy because the rankings are important for future qualifying seedings.

Nigeria dropped to position 39, Senegal is still 27th, Cape Verde is as far out as 115th and SA's Afcon group rival Libya move up to number 87.

Egypt's the leading nation in Africa, followed by Senegal, DR Congo, Tunisia and Cameroon.

Germany have returned to the top of FIFA's world rankings for the first time in two years, knocking Brazil into second.

Joachim Low guided his men to Confederations Cup glory in Russia at the start of the month, clincing the title with a 1-0 victory over Chile in the tournament's final in St Petersburg.

As well as ousting Tite's Brazil from the throne, Germany have leapfrogged Argentina, who drop into third position.

It has been an exceptional few weeks for the Germany national sides. As well as securing Confederations Cup success, Germany's Under-21s were the winners of the Under-21 European Championships in Poland, beating Spain by a single goal in the final.

Elsewhere, Poland have recorded their highest-ever ranking with a host of strong results in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Robert Lewandowski and Co. have jumped four places to sixth.

Sweden were among the biggest movers, climbing 16 places, while Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales have dropped seven spots to 20th.

England remain in 13th position, directly below Italy, while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are now up to fourth.

Northern Ireland have also reached their highest ranking - 10 places above 32nd-placed Netherlands - but are unable to climb into the top 20.

Michael O'Neill's men come in at 22nd, having not lost or conceded a goal in three matches during their World Cup qualifying campaign.