MARTIN O’Neill’s men face the disappointment of being fourth seeds in the 2018 World Cup qualification draw later this month.
Ireland have risen to 52nd in the most recent FIFA world rankings, released today, but it was not enough to secure a place in the third pot.
Instead, the Boys In Green now find themselves in the same pot as the Faroe Islands and Estonia.
The draw takes place later this month in St Petersburg on July 25.
Ireland were previously fourth seeds for the 1990 World Cup qualifying draw under Jack Charlton, and again under Steven Staunton when they failed to qualify for Euro 2008.
Meanwhile, Wales have entered the top 10 ranking for the first time in their history.
Chris Coleman's side climbed 12 places to 10th following their win over Belgium last month, moving them closer to qualification for the 2016 European Championships.
England have risen six places to ninth after their Euro 2016 qualifying victory in Slovenia in June.
Scotland have fallen to 29 while Northern Ireland are up seven places to 37.
