Despite the 2-2 draw Cyprus following a 0-4 loss to Slovenia, Malta dropped two places and is now 173rd in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Thursday.

Malta is now fifth from bottom in Europe, lying ahead of Moldova (181, down 1), Liechtenstein (190, down 2), Gibraltar (198, down 1) and San Marino (210). Just ahead of Malta is Andorra (153, up 3).

Next month, Malta hosts Croatia at Ta’ Qali on November 11 and Slovakia on November 14.

Meanwhile a total of 160 fixtures were played in October, the impact of which can be seen on the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

Though their lead is now under threat, Belgium remain top despite UEFA Nations League defeats to France (3rd, +1) and Italy (4th, +1). Among the top five, only Les Bleus and Gli Azzurri have improved their positions.

Brazil remain second but are breathing down the neck of Belgium, just 12 points behind. England, meanwhile, drop two places to fifth.

A little further down, Spain’s (7th, +1) progress at the expense of Portugal (8th, -1) is also noteworthy, as is that of Germany (12th, +2), who leapfrog USA (13th). Uruguay lost most ground among the top 20 by dropping three places to 15th.