The Republic of Ireland have climbed three places in the latest FIFA world rankings, rising to 59th after the World Cup qualifying victories over Portugal and Hungary.
Despite scoring the most points of any nation (+34.86), Heimir Hallgrimsson's men will still be in Pot 3 of tomorrow's draw for the play-off semi-finals (Live on RTÉ News/Player), as the lowest-ranked Pot 2 side Slovakia remain 14 places ahead.
Ireland will be away to either the Slovaks, Poland (31), Wales (32) or Czechia (44) on 26 March next year.
European champions Spain remain top of the pile, with World Cup holders Argentina, France and England also unchanged.
Brazil are new entrants into the top five, Group F winners Portugal dropping to sixth after their surprise defeat in Dublin.
Hungary, who were seconds away from progressing at Ireland's expense, fall four places to 41st after their dramatic 3-2 defeat in Budapest.
Malta were the biggest climbers, rising five places to 161st after their victory over now 75th-ranked Finland in Helsinki.
Northern Ireland, who are in pot 4 of the World Cup play-offs, remain 69th, while Scotland are up two places to 36th after the dramatic victory over Denmark that secured their spot in North America.
