Argentina lead FIFA World Ranking

Argentina have knocked Germany out of top spot in the latest FIFA world soccer rankings, with Greece drop nineteen places to 44, Australia up four places to 59.

Lionel Messi's Albicelestes move into No.1 place despite having lost to the Germans in last year's World Cup final and to Chile in last weekend's Copa America decider.

Just reaching the final in the latter took the Argentines up two places and to the top of the heap for the first time in seven years.

Germany drop to second followed by Belgium, Colombia and the Netherlands, with Brazil sixth and Portugal seventh.

Fresh from their Asian Cup success in Australia in February, the Socceroos have climbed four places.

Their 2-1 championship victory over two-time winners Korea helped them into 59th spot, their best showing in two years and a marked improvement on their pre-Asia Cup ranking of 100.

Romania have risen four spots to 8th and England six places to ninth, with Wales surging 12 positions after their European Championships qualifying win over Belgium into 10th.

The spectacular rise of the Gareth Bale-led Dragons means they become one of the top European seeds for World Cup qualifying.

"It's fantastic for the team's efforts to be recognised along with those who have played an important role off the pitch, from the backroom staff to our brilliant fans," coach Chris Coleman told Welsh radio station FAW on Thursday.

"However, our focus absolutely remains on qualification for Euro 2016. That will be the measurement of success."

New South American champions Chile move up eight ranking places to No.11, with France sliding 13 rungs to 22.

Algeria at 19 are the only top-20 team from outside Europe and South America.

Costa Rica lead CONCACAF teams at 21, while the US drop seven to 34 and Iran become Asia's highest-ranked team at 38.

FIFA WORLD RANKINGS PUBLISHED THURSDAY (June position in parentheses):

1. Argentina (3)

2. Germany (1)

3. Belgium (2)

4. Colombia (4)

5. Netherlands (6)

6. Brazil (5)

7. Portugal (7)