France top FIFA rankings for 1st time in 16 years; Germany plummet

France's World Cup triumph in July has been recognized with a place at the summit of the FIFA rankings.

Les Bleu beat Croatia 4-2 in the final to assume top spot for the first time since May 2002. Belgium, who finished third at the summer tournament, are rated as international football's second-best side, two positions above World Cup runners-up Croatia.

Brazil are ranked third despite a disappointing quarter-final elimination in Russia, while Uruguay rose from ninth to fifth in the world governing body's standings. England, Portugal, Switzerland, Spain, and Denmark round out the top 10.

FIFA men rankings:

1. France (+6)

2. Belgium (+1)

3. Brazil (-1)

4. Croatia (+16)

5. Uruguay (+9)

6. England (+6)

7. Portugal (-3)

8. Switzerland (-2)

=9. Spain (+1) and Denmark (+3)

Selected others:

15. Germany (-14)

16. Mexico (-1)

17. Netherlands (-)

19. Wales (-1)

21. Italy (-2)

22. United States (+3)

27. Northern Ireland (+2)

29. Republic of Ireland (+2)

40. Scotland (+2)

79. Canada (-)