Belgium ended 2015 on a high note and they have begun 2016 in the same fashion. The Red Devils remain top of the table in the first FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking of 2016, while Argentina and Spain have also held onto their respective second and third positions.

With the majority of the top teams enjoying a well-deserved break in the final weeks of 2015, the situation in the top 50 remains largely unchanged in the latest ranking. That said, three teams enjoyed a subtle but successful climb before ringing in the New Year. Sweden have moved up one position into 34th place, Iran have climbed two places into 43rd and Guinea have gained one position in 49th. Meanwhile, Uganda (62nd, up 1) and Kyrgyzstan (107th, up 1) have kicked off 2016 by reaching their best-ever positions in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

Other small but significant improvements have been enjoyed by Zambia (67th, up 6), Rwanda (91st, up 10), Thailand (121st, up 12), Tanzania (126th, up 6) and Sri Lanka (188th, up 6). All of the aforementioned teams have improved their positions by more than five places in the latest ranking.

The confederation leaders for the first ranking of 2016 mirror those of December’s ranking. Belgium, Argentina, Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico, Iran and New Zealand hold onto continental bragging rights for the time being. 15 games from December 2015 and one “A” match from 2016 have been evaluated for the latest edition.

Summary

Leader

Belgium (unchanged)

Moves into top ten

none

Moves out of top ten

none

Matches played in total

16 (15 of which in 2015)

Most matches played

Afghanistan (5 matches)

Biggest move by points

Saudi Arabia (up 42 points)

Biggest move by ranks

Thailand (up 12 ranks)

Biggest drop by points

Cuba (down 118 points)

Biggest drop by ranks

Cuba (down 45 ranks)