Belgium replace Argentina as world's second-ranked team

By foxsports
Published

ZURICH -- Belgium has risen above Argentina to No. 2 in the monthly FIFA rankings, which are still topped by World Cup winner Germany.

Belgium reached its highest-ever slot despite not playing in the last month. Past results for Argentina, which beat Belgium in the 2014 World Cup quarterfinals, devalued in a four-year cycle used for FIFA's calculations.

Colombia and Brazil stayed at Nos. 4 and 5.

France rose two places to No. 9 in a swap with new No. 11 Switzerland.

Costa Rica rose one to No. 14 and leads CONCACAF nations. The United States climbed one spot to No. 27.

Algeria leads Africa at No. 21. Iran is Asia's best at No. 41.

The July rankings will decide seedings for the 2018 World Cup qualifying draw on July 25 in St. Petersburg, Russia.