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Russia coach Stanislav Cherchesov (Getty Images)
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Zurich – Host nation Russia will kick off the 2018 Soccer World Cup as the lowest-ranked of the 32 teams in the tournament.
In the latest released FIFA world rankings, Russia dropped four places to 70th, below Saudi Arabia at 67th.
The two lowest-ranked teams at the World Cup will meet in the opening clash at the Luzhniki Stadium next Thursday, June 14.
Defending champions Germany (1st) retained their lead over Brazil, Belgium, Portugal and Argentina in an unchanged top five.
Meanwhile, tournament favourites Spain dropped two places to 10th place.
Chile (9th) are ranked the highest of the teams not participating at the World Cup while non-qualifiers the Netherlands, Wales and Italy complete the top 20.
Mexico are the top CONCACAF nation at 15th, while Tunisia are Africa's best, ranked 21st.
FIFA world rankings (2018 Soccer World Cup teams only):
1. Germany
2. Brazil
3. Belgium
4. Portugal
5. Argentina
6. Switzerland
7. France
8. Poland
10. Spain
11. Peru
12. Denmark
13. England
14. Uruguay
15. Mexico
16. Colombia
20. Croatia
21. Tunisia
22. Iceland
24. Sweden
27. Senegal
34. Serbia
36. Australia
37. Iran
38. Turkey
41. Morocco
45. Egypt
48. Nigeria
55. Panama
57. Korea Republic
61. Japan
67. Saudi Arabia
70. Russia
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