Football
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FIFA set to review world ranking system after World Cup qualification

FIFA has said it will review its ranking system after qualification for the 2018 World Cup is finished.

The system, which is based on each nation's results over a four-year rolling period, is used by world football's governing body to decide the seedings at World Cups.

Brazil currently top the rankings, with world champions Germany second and Argentina third, but unlikely candidates Switzerland and Poland occupy the next two slots.

The top seven qualifying nations, plus hosts Russia, will be seeded in December's draw for the 2018 tournament.

While both Switzerland and Poland have enjoyed successful qualifying campaigns, they have also played relatively few friendlies in recent seasons, particularly Switzerland.

In a short statement, a FIFA spokesperson said: "FIFA is reviewing the FIFA Coca-Cola World Ranking system and will take a decision after the completion of qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup if any changes are be made to improve the ranking.''

A report in The Times on Monday outlined how the rankings work against teams that play lots of friendlies, particularly if they lose them, as is always a risk if you play games against tough opponents.

England, for example, who are currently 13th in the rankings, have played friendlies over the last year against Spain, Germany and France, drawing once and losing twice.

England manager Gareth Southgate has also recently made it clear he believes his team should play the world's best sides in friendlies in order to better prepare his players for tournaments.

The Football Association is keen for England to play leading nations to raise more money, which it then invests in the game. As a result, it has lined up Germany and Brazil for pre-World Cup friendlies, should England secure qualification.

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