Belgium start Euro 2016 year top of FIFA rankings

FILE — Belgium National Team. AFP PHOTO / MARTIN BUREAU / AFP / MARTIN BUREAU

Belgium start 2016 atop FIFA’s national team rankings ahead of World Cup finalists Argentina, European champions Spain and World champions Germany after winning eight of their nine games last year.

The top ten of FIFA’s rankings released on Thursday remains unchanged since it was last updated December 3 because of the lack of international matches.

Belgium may be a nation of just 11.2 million, but is currently doted with a multi-talented national squad headed up by Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard and Manchester City’s record signing Kevin De Bruyne.

Contrary to FIFA’s rankings British bookmakers make Germany favourites to win Euro 2016 (June 10 to July 10), followed by hosts France and then Spain, with Belgium at 12-1 the fourth ranked of the 24 finalists to win the tournament.

FIFA Rankings as of January 7:

1. Belgium

2. Argentina

3. Spain

4. Germany

5. Chile

6. Brazil

7. Portugal

8. Colombia

9. England

10. Austria