Belgium moves to No. 1 in FIFA rankings for first time

ZURICH --

Belgium has moved up to No. 1 in the FIFA rankings for the first time.

Despite only reaching the World Cup quarterfinals last year, Belgium rose two places after two wins in European Championship qualifying matches.

World Cup champion Germany is No. 2, just ahead of Argentina, which fell two places in a top 20 dominated by European and South American teams. Portugal is No. 4 and Copa America champion Chile if fifth.

Mexico is the top CONCACAF team at No. 23, while Algeria is Africa's best at No. 25 and Iran is Asia's top team at No. 43.

FIFA world rankings published Thursday (last month's rankings in parentheses):

1. Belgium (3)

2. Germany (2)

3. Argentina (1)

4. Portugal (4)

5. Chile (9)

6. Spain (6)

7. Colombia (5)

8. Brazil (7)

9. England (10)

10. Austria (11)

11. Switzerland (12)

12. Uruguay (20)

13. Italy (17)

14. Romania (13)

15. Wales (8)

16. Netherlands (14)

17. Czech Republic (15)

18. Turkey (37)

19. Croatia (16)

20. Bosnia-Herzegovina (30)