Belgium top of soccer world rankings

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

Despite only reaching the quarter-finals of soccer's World Cup last year, Belgium rise two places after wins over Andorra and Israel in European Championship qualifying matches.

World Cup champions Germany stay at No.2, just ahead of Argentina who fall two places from top spot.

In a top 20 dominated by European and South American teams, Portugal are No.4 and Copa America champions Chile are fifth, jumping four spots from ninth.

Australia have slipped two places, the Socceroos dropping from No.58 to 60.

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

FIFA WORLD TOP 20 RANKINGS PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY (LAST MONTH'S RANKINGS IN BRACKETS):

* 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)