Current FIFA Ranking: 8
Highest FIFA Ranking: 1 (Nov 2015-Mar 2016 & Sept 2018-to March 2022)
Lowest FIFA Ranking: 71 (June 2007)
Football Team Nickname: The Red Devils
Honours: None
Head coach: Rudi Garcia (Jan 2025)
Top scorer in qualifying: Kevin De Bruyne (6)
Star players: Kevin De Bruyne (Napoli), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Jeremy Doku (Man City)
Ranked number one in the world during 2022 and entering the last World Cup ranked second by FIFA, The Red Devils failed to progress from the group stage in Qatar, their first such exit since 1998, which led to the departure of Roberto Martinez.
Now coached by Frenchman Rudi Garcia they will be aware that the golden generation may soon be ending, with Eden Hazard already retiring from the game and Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku now into their thirties.
All-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku has endured a difficult time this season – yet to feature for Napoli due to a thigh injury, he featured just twice in Qatar and has not scored in his last six finals appearances.
Previous World Cup appearances (14):
2022: Group stage (Morocco, Croatia, Canada)
2018: Third
2014: Quarter-final
2002: Round of 16
1998: Group stage
1994: Round of 16
1990: Round of 16
1986: Fourth
1982: Second group stage
1970: Group stage
1954: Group stage
1938: First round
1934: Preliminary round
1930: Group stage
