The Republic of Ireland remain at 32nd in the latest edition of the Fifa world rankings following last week's embarrassing 1-1 draw with Cyprus at Croke Park.

That result, which effectively sounded the death knell for manager Steve Staunton who was relieved of his duties last night, and the recent defeat in the Czech Republic keep Ireland well down the pecking order.

The rankings determine the seedings for the 2010 World Cup qualifying with Ireland desperately needing to defeat Wales, who drop five places to 58th, next month to avoid being going into the fourth pot of seeds.

Elsewhere, Scotland are on the brink of leapfrogging England after rising to their highest ever position of 13th. It means they are now just two spots behind rivals England.

Argentina and Brazil leapfrog World Cup holders Italy to lead the standings while France rise two to fourth.