Belgium top FIFA world rankings for first time

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 05 November 2015

Belgium sit top of the FIFA world rankings for the first time in their history following victories in their final two Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Belgium have moved to the top of the FIFA world rankings for the first time in their history following their victories in last month's final Euro 2016 qualifiers.

Marc Wilmots's side, who were third in October's rankings, have gone up two places after beating Andorra 4-1 and Israel 3-1 to secure their spot in next summer's tournament in France.

World champions Germany have dropped down to number two, while Argentina are third. Portugal and Chile complete the top five, with the latter occupying their highest ever position in the standings.

England have moved up one place to ninth after completing their Euro qualification campaign with a perfect record, while Wales, who were in their highest ever position of eighth last month, have dropped to 15th.

Northern Ireland are up six places to 29th, with the Republic of Ireland jumping 12 places to 42nd spot. Scotland, meanwhile, have fallen two places to 44th.

Elsewhere, Austria have also reached a record high position of 10th, while Colombia and Brazil sit seventh and eighth respectively.