Football
ESPN staff 9y

Belgium soar to second place in latest FIFA world ranking table

#INSERT type:image caption:Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini has been key to Belgium's recent success. END#

Belgium have moved above World Cup runners-up Argentina to rise to second in the FIFA world ranking.

It is the highest ranking ever achieved by the Red Devils, who are now behind only World Cup winners Germany in the standings.

Belgium, who are top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group B, face second-placed Wales -- down one place to 22nd -- later this month.

Their star names include Chelsea's Eden Hazard, the PFA Footballer of the Year, and Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

Marc Wilmots' side were 71st in the table eight years ago, but an impressive run of form -- including reaching the World Cup quarterfinals in Brazil last summer -- has seen them engineer a rapid rise.

France are back in the top 10, returning at the expense of Switzerland, who fall to 11th, while England are down a place, slipping to 15th, and Scotland are up two places in 28th.

The U.S. are up a place to 27th, while Australia, also up a place, are in 63rd.

Algeria (21st) are the top-ranked team in the CAF, Costa Rica (14th) in CONCACAF, Argentina (3rd) in CONMEBOL, New Zealand (138th) in OFC, Iran (41st) in AFC and and Germany (1st) in UEFA.

But the most dramatic move comes in the lower half of the table, with Madagascar rising 37 places to 113th after wins in four of their last six matches.

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