Belgium top FIFA rankings for the first time, India drops five spots
The latest update of FIFA World Ranking was announced and Belgium are on top of the list for the first time in history, sending World Cup and Copa America runners-up Argentina down to the third position. The November edition of the ranking saw Marc Wilmot’s side jump two positions up – leapfrogging both Argentina and Germany to claim their deserved position at the top.
Belgium’s rise to the top came on the back of their 3-1 victory over Israel in the Euro 2016 qualifying match which was played last month. This goes to show just how much quality they have in their ranks and credit goes to national coach Wilmots who has brought the best out of the Re Devils as a result.
Joachim Loew’s men remained in the second position despite losing to the Republic of Ireland on the final day of European championship qualifying round. Meanwhile Argentina dropped down two places after their defeat to Ecuador and draw with Paraguay.
The most unexpected and biggest climbers in the top 10 are this year’s Copa America winners Chile. Inspired by Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez, they climbed four places up to claim the fifth rank after wins against Brazil and Peru. England are up one spot in ninth and Austria earned their highest-ever ranking by entering the top ten.
Wales and Netherlands drop down in the rankings
Chris Coleman’s Wales side ended their short spell in the top 10 by dropping seven places from 8th to 15th. Turkey secured their qualification for next summer’s European Championship after their win against Iceland and it took them from 36th to 18th in the table.
The most disappointing slump by any team in the ranking are by Netherlands, who won the third place at last year’s World Cup in Brazil. Not only did they fail to qualify for the Euro in France next year, they also dropped from 15th to 16th, which is their lowest rank since 2000.
The next FIFA World Ranking for the year 2015 will be published on 3 December and Belgium are well on course to claim the ‘Team of the Year’ award, should they retain their spot on top. Teams like Turkey, Chile, Wales and Austria are in contention for the ‘Mover of the Year’ award, which will be given to the team that has gained the most points this year. With various matches and qualifiers set to take place in the coming weeks, the positions are all still to play for.
India dropped five spots to 172. They are now on 122 points, trailing South East Asian nation Malaysia by five points. India will host Guam on November 12 in a 2018 World Cup qualification match and a win could help them jump four places up to 167th.
| RANK | TEAM | POINTS |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Belgium | 1440 |
| 2 | Germany | 1388 |
| 3 | Argentina | 1383 |
| 4 | Portugal | 1364 |
| 5 | Chile | 1288 |
| 6 | Spain | 1287 |
| 7 | Colombia | 1233 |
| 8 | Brazil | 1208 |
| 9 | England | 1179 |
| 10 | Austria | 1130 |
| 11 | Switzerland | 1073 |
| 12 | Uruguay | 1051 |
| 13 | Italy | 1040 |
| 14 | Romania | 1039 |
| 15 | Wales | 1032 |
| 16 | Netherlands | 976 |
| 17 | Czech Republic | 974 |
| 18 | Turkey | 941 |
| 19 | Croatia | 924 |
| 20 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 923 |