Belgium end year ranked ahead of world champions France

Paris - Belgium will end the year as No 1 ahead of world champions France in the global rankings released by FIFA on Thursday.

Belgium, beaten by France in the World Cup semi-finals, edge Didier Deschamps' team by one ranking point.

Belgium have 1 727 points by FIFA's calculations to 1 726 for France. Brazil are third on 1,676.

FIFA noted on their website that France, who were ranked No 9 last Christmas, were the year's "Best Mover" after a "stellar 2018... having gained more points (165) since December 2017 than any other nation."

The governing body of world football also noted that Europe and Asia have gained top-50 places at the expense of Africa.

Europe has 31, an increase of two, Asia is up one to three and Africa is down three to five top-50 representatives.

Kosovo were the biggest climbers, jumping 46 places to 131.

FIFA rankings, December 20:

1. Belgium

2. France

3. Brazil

4. Croatia

5. England

6. Portugal

7. Uruguay

8. Switzerland

9. Spain

10. Denmark

Selected

72. South Africa