FIFA World Ranking 2015: Belgium Hit Record High in Latest Standings
Belgium have climbed to their highest-ever spot in the FIFA World Ranking, reaching second behind world champions Germany in June's update.
2014 World Cup finalists Argentina subsequently drop down to third, but they will have an opportunity to rise when the upcoming Copa America kicks off on June 11.
Here's a look at the latest FIFA ranking:
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| 1 | Germany | 1775 | - |
| 2 | Belgium | 1509 | +1 |
| 3 | Argentina | 1496 | -1 |
| 4 | Colombia | 1435 | - |
| 5 | Brazil | 1392 | - |
| 6 | Netherlands | 1378 | - |
| 7 | Portugal | 1229 | - |
| 8 | Uruguay | 1183 | - |
| 9 | France | 1164 | +2 |
| 10 | Spain | 1147 | - |
You can check the full standings right here.
FIFA's points system is determined by a not-so-simple formula: result x importance of match x strength of opposition x confederation strength = total points. Awarded points are then multiplied by the difficulty of the other team's federation (CONMEBOL 1.00; UEFA 0.99; AFC, CAF, OFC and CONCACAF 0.85), per the governing body's official website. The value of results decreases over time.
Belgium's ascension comes after an unbeaten run of seven matches since losing to Argentina at the World Cup. Marc Wilmots' men have won five and drawn two in the time after being eliminated from the Brazilian tournament and are currently joint-top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group B alongside Wales.
The Red Devils highlighted their excitement on Twitter:
Eurosport also noted the nation's incredible progress:
Belgium possess some of the world's best and most exciting players. Stars such as Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois, Marouane Fellaini, Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku all enjoyed prosperous seasons in the Premier League. Then there's Vincent Kompany, Dries Mertens, Kevin De Bruyne and a host of other talents to boot.
The side face a tricky trip to France on Sunday, a team who returned to the top 10 with this month's update (a change that sees Switzerland drop out). Les Bleus have only lost to Germany and Brazil in their last 18 matches, per Soccerway, and also possess hordes of top-quality youngsters who are currently breaking through.
England drop a place to 15th, despite being unbeaten in nine matches since losing to Uruguay at the World Cup. Roy Hodgson's side have only conceded three goals in this time and face difficult tests away to the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia in the next 10 days.
Mexico have dropped a further place to 23rd, while the United States of America rise one to 27th. Wales, having confirmed a highest-ever rank of 21st last time out, are down to 22nd.
Madagascar take the plaudits for this month's highest climb by rank (up 37 to 113th) and points (up 122). The African island also completed the joint-most matches alongside Namibia since the last update, playing six times in the last month, per FIFA.com.
Rwanda suffered the heaviest fall by points (down 128), while nobody toppled the Maldives' plummet of 38 ranks (down to 178th).
A total of 44 international matches took place between the May and June updates, with 26 of these being completed in Africa. We can expect the July update to be heavily influenced by the Copa America, not to mention Euro 2016 qualifiers and friendlies across the globe.
Teams such as Argentina, Colombia and Brazil will not only be looking to win the upcoming South American tournament, but will also be hoping to close the gap on Germany atop the rankings.
