Northern Ireland move up to 29th in FIFA rankings

Michael O’Neill’s side continued their meteoric rise following qualification for Euro 2016.

The latest ranking is just two positions shy of their highest-ever rating in the FIFA standings.

Meanwhile, Wales have dropped out of the top 10 in despite qualifying for Euro 2016.

Chris Coleman’s side fell to 15th from an all-time high of eighth in October.

England move up one place to ninth, Scotland fall four places to 44th, while Belgium top the rankings for the first time in their history, ahead of Germany and previous leaders Argentina.

Republic of Ireland, who face a Euro 2016 play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina, rose 12 places to 42nd.

TOP 10: 1 Belgium, 2 Germany, 3 Argentina, 4 Portugal, 5 Chile, 6 Spain, 7 Colombia, 8 Brazil, 9 England, 10 Austria.

Selected others: 16 Netherlands, 24 France, 29 Northern Ireland, 42 Republic of Ireland, 44 Scotland