Homeless World Cup: Brazil top, India in 39th place

Former champions Brazil top the annual Homeless World Cup Rankings following a string of impressive tournament performances, while Mexico sit atop the first ever Women's Homeless World Cup Rankings.

In the men's category India have moved up six spots to be now 39th, while amongst women India is ranked 14th a drop of a spot.

The rankings are compiled following each annual Homeless World Cup tournament to commemorate the event and to commend the thousands of players who have taken part since the inaugural competition took place in 2003.

Top ranking Brazil were host nation and champions of the 2010 tournament in Rio and finished in third at the Paris 2011 Homeless World Cup which took place last August. The South Americans are joined in the top three by 2011 finalists Mexico and two-time champions Scotland. Mexico, semi-finalists in 2010 secure second place despite defeat in the Paris final whilst the Scots, who lifted the trophy after a 4-3 victory, climb six places and into third place.

Kenya (10th) break into the top ten after taking fourth place in Paris whilst perennial contenders Ukraine, Russia and Poland slipped to 4th, 6th and 9th respectively. Ireland retain seventh place as Portugal (8th) concede top spot. Indonesia make an impressive entrance to the rankings, they occupy the 22nd spot having finished sixth in their Homeless World Cup debut.

The Women’s Homeless World Cup Rankings have been released for the first time and Mexico is the first nation to hold top spot. The Mexico team have reached the grand final in the previous two editions of the growing women’s tournament, although they were unfortunate to lose on both occasions. They will look to go one step further on home turf as Mexico hosts the Mexico City 2012 Homeless World Cup next year.

Former champions Brazil sit in second place in the women’s rankings as Kenya, the winners of the Paris 2011 Women’s Homeless World Cup are ranked third following a glorious debut tournament, beating Mexico 4-3 in a pulsating finale.

Colombia (4th) and Argentina (5th) add South American clout to the top five as Haiti, Scotland, Malawi, Norway and the Netherlands complete the top ten.

Mel Young, President Homeless World Cup said, "Congratulations to Brazil and Mexico for their great performance that lead them to top."

"The importance of these rankings, however, is not only about the final positioning but the recognition of the determination and hard work of our players and National Partners organisations. Every player participating at the tournament is a winner."

For the full rankings click here .