Belgium end 2015 top of FIFA rankings
The Socceroos remain outside the world's top 50 ranked countries. (AFP)
Belgium will go into 2016 atop FIFA's national team rankings ahead of World Cup finalists Argentina, European champions Spain and world champions Germany after winning eight of their nine games this year.
The nation of just 11.2 million is doted with a multi-talented national squad headed up by Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard and Man City's Kevin De Bruyne.
The 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists beat both Italy and France in friendlies in 2015, but their mouthwatering clash with Spain on November 17 was called off.
Argentina climbed back up to second after beating Colombia and drawing with Brazil in World Cup qualifiers in November, while Spain climbed to third with a clinical 2-0 friendly defeat of England at Wembley.
Australia, meanwhile, edged up three places in the latest list, released on Thursday.
The Socceroos now sit 57th, behind Serbia and ahead of Egypt.
FIFA Rankings as of December 3:
1. Belgium
2. Argentina (+1 place)
3. Spain (+3)
4. Germany (-2)
5. Chile
6. Brazil (+2)
7. Portugal (-3)
8. Colombia (-1)
9. England
10. Austria
57. Australia (+3)
