Portugal slip to 8th in FIFA ranking as Spain take top spot

Portugal drop two spots in FIFA ranking, Spain take top

Your national team fell to 8th in the latest FIFA ranking after the round of 16 exit in Dallas (1) (5). Spain, who knocked Portugal out, now sit at No. 1. Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and Paraguay all shifted around as well (1).

Spain's unbeaten run has a Portugal-shaped dent

Spain set a historic unbeaten streak on their way to the World Cup title, but one of the few blemishes belongs to Portugal. A Nations League win on penalties stopped Spain cold during that run (2). A small consolation, but worth remembering.

Jorge Jesus almost picked Brazil's squad, not Portugal's

Before taking the Portugal job, Jorge Jesus says he received instructions to prepare a pre-selection for Brazil (3). He told Brazilian outlet ge.globo: "Acho que neste momento o melhor ponta de lança é o Pedro, isso é um pouquinho tendencioso porque já foi meu jogador no Flamengo" (3). Jesus said he would have called up one to three different players than Carlo Ancelotti did, but mostly agrees with the squad. The difference, he said, is in how you look at the game and how you train (3).

Portugal finish 19 places above Cabo Verde at the World Cup

The final World Cup standings place Portugal well clear of Cabo Verde, who also competed in the tournament (4). A footnote, but it puts the campaign in perspective.

Life after Ronaldo will test the brand

When Cristiano Ronaldo steps away for good, the national team faces a commercial reckoning. RTP reports that media attention and revenue tied to the Portugal shirt are expected to take a significant hit when he leaves (6). Ronaldo remains in Jorge Jesus's plans for now, but the clock is ticking.

João Pinheiro "dignified" Portugal at the World Cup

Portuguese referee João Pinheiro earned praise from former officials Paulo Pereira and Pedro Henriques for his performances at the tournament (7). They said he represented the country well. A small bright spot from a World Cup that ended too early.