Iceland on rise

Germany continue to lead the Fifa rankings, but Iceland’s star continues to rise after they became the smallest nation in history to qualify for a World Cup. In this month’s rankings, Iceland climbed two places and ascended to the 18th position, their best ranking to date. Five-time world champions and perennial favourites Brazil remained in second spot, while Portugal, Argentina and Belgium followed in third, fourth and fifth place respectively. The rise of Iceland was the only major change in the upper echelons of the February rankings.