FIFA World Ranking: Brazil reclaim top spot

 

Despite not having played a game since the last update, Brazil have returned to the summit of FIFA world rankings as they overtake reigning World champions Germany, who drop to second in the latest update released on Thursday. Argentina remain in third and Switzerland moved to fourth, their highest position since 1993 while Poland rose to its highest-ever position of fifth place in the rankings.

Portugal dropped two places into sixth, then came Chile in seventh and Colombia in eighth before Belgium and France rounded off the top 10.

Brazil are back on top in the latest update to the FIFA World Rankings. 🇧🇷

It’s time for Squawka Suggests… pic.twitter.com/6yWnbQ1eB7

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 10, 2017

The U.S. national team were the biggest climbers by moving nine places from 35 to 26 following the US's positive impact, in the 2017 Gold Cup success, and a 14-game unbeaten run.

Mexico remains the top ranked team in the CONCACAF region as they climbed to 14th place with Costa Rica in 21st and Jamaica biggest risers as they moved up 19 places to 57th following their run to the Gold Cup final.

Germany had topped the rankings following their victory in last month’s Confederations Cup but slipped to second. England remain unchanged in 13th, and Northern Ireland dropped one place to 23rd. Wales climbed two spots to 18th, cementing their position in the top 20. The Netherlands woes continue as they drop another four spots to 36th.

New Zealand dropped one place behind African minnows Ethiopia and Rwanda. 

In Africa, Nigeria and Cameroon both moved a spot up as the Super Eagles are 38th in the world and sixth in Africa, while Cameroon are 37th and fifth on the continent. 
 
Algeria are eighth in Africa and 48th globally, while Zambia are a lowly 96th in the world and 25th in Africa.

Ethiopia is in joint 120th with Oman and Tanzania - after leaping 16 places, while Rwanda have climbed eight places to 119th. 

Below is a look at the top 30 in the world.

1. Brazil
2. Germany
3. Argentina
4. Switzerland
5. Poland
6. Portugal
7. Chile
8. Colombia
9. Belgium
10. France
11. Spain
12. Italy
13. England
14. Mexico
15. Peru
16. Croatia
17. Uruguay
18. Wales
19. Sweden
20. Iceland
21. Costa Rica
22. Slovakia
23. Northern Ireland
24. Iran
25. Egypt
26. USA
27. Ukraine
28. Congo DR
29. Republic of Ireland
30. Bosnia and Herzegovina

 The next edition of the rankings will be released in September.