Wales are undefeated in their last nine competitive internationals

Fifa rankings: Wales could move up to second in the world

Four years ago Wales were rated 117th in world football's Fifa rankings – but they could soon move up to second.

Following their 1-0 victory over Cyprus on Thursday in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, Wales are on the brink of reaching their first major tournament in 58 years.

And if results go their way they could move from ninth to above World Cup winners Germany and Brazil in October's rankings.

So how can Chris Coleman's side – once ranked below Azerbaijan and Guyana – rise further up the standings?

Golsicilia.it Sport looks at how Wales could achieve it.

Beat Israel and go fourth

Beating Israel would take Wales above 1300 Fifa ranking points…

This is the (relatively) easy part of the equation for Wales.

If they can beat Israel on Sunday with a packed Cardiff City Stadium roaring them on, not only will they secure qualification for the Euros, they will also be guaranteed to be at least fourth when the next Fifa rankings come out.

This is because some of the teams above them – Colombia, Brazil, Portugal and Chile – are playing friendlies rather than competitive internationals, for which fewer points are on offer. Even if they win their games, they would drop below Chris Coleman's side.

…In which case, even two wins for Brazil would not be enough to stop Wales from overtaking them

Jump above Germany into third?

To break into the top three, Wales need other results to go their way.

Current third-placed team Germany can hold onto their spot if they win both their upcoming Euro qualifiers against Poland and Scotland.

A good result for Scotland at Hampden Park could help Wales to overtake Germany

But even a draw in one of those matches for Germany would send Wales up to third – provided they beat Cyprus.

Second in the world?

Wales have already beaten Belgium in Euro 2016 qualifying – now could they muscle them out of second place in the world rankings?

It could happen, Wales fans – but it requires Cyprus to do them a massive favour.

If the islanders can beat Belgium in Nicosia on Sunday night, then that – combined with the other results mentioned – would see Wales officially ranked the second-best football team in the world.

Wales can oust Belgium from second place if Marc Wilmots' team lose in Cyprus