Canada's Jonathan David celebrates his goal with Liam Millar during a friendly against Panama, in Toronto, on Oct. 15.Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press
Canada continues its rise under coach Jesse Marsch, jumping three spots to No. 35 in the latest FIFA world rankings.
The Canadian men were rewarded for their 2-1 win over Panama earlier this month in Toronto, moving past the Central American side into third place in CONCACAF behind No. 16 Mexico (up one in the new rankings) and the 18th-ranked U.S. (unchanged). Panama fell two spots to No. 39.
The Canadians are sandwiched between Russia and Nigeria.
Canada was ranked 49th in the world when Marsch took over in mid-May. Since then, the team has climbed to No. 48, 40, No. 38 and now 35.
Canada has been as high as No. 33 in the men’s ranking, achieved in February, 2022, under John Herdman, with Canada named the “Most Improved Side” in 2021 by FIFA, turning heads with an unbeaten run in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.
Canada’s lowest ranking was No. 122, in October, 2014.
Suriname, Canada’s opponent next month in the CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals, moved up two places to No. 136 in the new rankings.
The top six were unchanged with Argentina No. 1, followed by France, Spain, England, Brazil and Belgium, although Argentina’s lead over France and Spain was reduced. Portugal moved up one place to No. 7, dropping the Netherlands to No. 8, while Italy moved up one rung to No. 9 with Colombia falling to No. 10.
The Canadian women are currently ranked sixth by FIFA.