KYLIAN MBAPPE’S hat-trick denied Argentina top spot in the Fifa rankings – despite their World Cup final shootout joy.
Mbappe‘s late second penalty earned France a 3-3 draw after extra time – enough to keep Brazil at No1 in the list.
That won’t be any consolation to the history-making striker as Lionel Messi inspired Argentina’s ultimate triumph in one of the greatest ever finals, clinched 4-2 win on penalties.
And for now it won’t mean much either to Brazil, who are still smarting from their shock quarter-final shootout loss to Croatia.
Meanwhile, England remain in fifth spot following their agonising last-eight exit to the French.
Qatar kings Argentina moved up to second in the rankings, with France rising to third and Belgium’s ageing golden generation dropping two places to fourth following their surprise exit at the group stage.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in the list – at least if you judge by tradition and not by performances – is Germany sitting way down in 14th.
An opening 2-1 defeat to Japan proved costly as they departed Qatar at the group phase on goal difference.
Japan themselves would have climbed even higher than 20th in the Fifa rankings had they not lost to Croatia in a last-16 shootout.
And Morocco shot up from 22nd to 12th after becoming the first Arab and African World Cup semi-finalists.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
It comes as the epic final coincided with the FA confirming Gareth Southgate will stay in charge of the Three Lions.
The 52-year-old reviewed his position after his latest near miss in a major tournament.
But on Sunday FA CEO Mark Bullingham said in a statement: “We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England manager, and will lead our Euro 2024 campaign.
“Gareth and Steve Holland have always had our full support, and our planning for the Euros starts now.”
