THE OFFICIAL FIFA world football rankings are always good for a giggle and the latest edition doesn’t disappoint.

According to Fifa, Wales – who the Republic of Ireland will face during qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia – are the ninth-best team in the world right now, ahead of Spain, Italy and Holland.

Martin O’Neill’s Irish charges are in 50th place, alongside Cape Verde.

Elsewhere in the list, Argentina remain in top spot while Belgium are in second and Germany sit in third.

England have moved up to 8th while Scotland and Northern Ireland have both dropped three places – to 32nd and 40th respectively.

Spain – the 2010 World Cup winners and reigning European champions – are in 11th, one place higher than the Dutch. The Italians are ranked in 16th place while France are 23rd.

Wales have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence of late and Chris Coleman’s side are currently three points clear of Belgium at the top of Group B and look set to automatically qualify for next summer’s European Championships in France.

Fifa rankings – top ten

1. Argentina

2. Belgium

3. Germany

4. Colombia

5. Brazil

6. Portugal

7. Romania

8. England

9. Wales

10. Chile

Others: Scotland (32), Northern Ireland (40), Republic of Ireland (50)

Man United make Kane bid, Arsenal’s Benzema offer and all today’s transfer gossip

The story of the Irish part-timers who were ‘one kick away’ from Real Madrid