Brazil capped off a fine fortnight of football as they moved to the top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, reclaiming their seat at the top of the podium after a seven-year hiatus.

Not since elimination from 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ at the hands of the Netherlands – being usurped in the table by eventual champions Spain and the Oranje – have A Seleção (plus 1) held the No1 position. However, recent wins over Uruguay and Paraguay in booking their place at Russia 2018 secured their return to top spot.

With 129 games played across the month there was movement throughout the table, as just 19 of the 211 member associations stood steady in their March placings. With five of those 19 within the top ten, Switzerland (9, plus 2) were the only side to break into the top ten, with Uruguay heading in the opposite direction (15, minus 6).

Poland (11, plus 1) built on their best-ever placing last month to go one better – a feat mirrored by Burkina Faso (35, plus 1). Meanwhile, Peru (17, plus 1), Curaçao (70, plus 4), Swaziland (88, plus 10), and Papua New Guinea (156, plus 14) also registered new personal bests.

FYR Macedonia (133, plus 33) were the month’s biggest movers, with some strong gains coming within the top 50 too as Sweden (34, plus 11), Northern Ireland (26, plus 9), USA (23, plus 7), Greece (39, plus 7) and Japan (44, plus 7) all gained ground.

The next FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking will be published on 4 May 2017.

Leader

Brazil (plus 1)

Moves into top 10

Switzerland (9, plus 2)

Moves out of top 10

Uruguay (15, minus 6)

Matches played in total

129

Most matches played

Djibouti (4 matches)

Biggest move by points

Brazil (plus 127 points)

Biggest move by ranks

FYR Macedonia (plus 33 ranks)

Biggest drop by points

Liberia (minus 146 points)

Biggest drop by ranks

Liberia (minus 39 ranks)

Newly ranked teams

none

Teams that are no longer ranked

none

Inactive teams, not ranked

none