ZURICH (AP) ― World and European champion Spain remained at No. 1 in the monthly FIFA rankings released Wednesday and the United States dropped six places to No. 30.
Netherlands and Germany rounded out the top three in the standings that will be used to help decide seedings in Saturday’s World Cup qualifying draw.
Brazil climbed one place to fourth despite only reaching the Copa America quarterfinals, while Copa winner Uruguay rose to fifth, its highest ranking.
Sixth-place England and No. 8 Italy both fell two places, but are assured of top seeding in their qualifying groups.
Portugal (No. 7), Croatia (No. 9), Norway (No. 12) and Greece (No. 13) completed the list of nine European countries set for top seedings.
FIFA picks dates for 2014 World Cup in Brazil
FIFA has selected the dates for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
The tournament involving 32 countries playing 64 matches with held from June 12 to July 13, 2014.
FIFA says the Confederations Cup will be staged from June 15-30, 2013.
The cup is an eight-team event featuring host Brazil, defending World Cup winner Spain and the six champions of FIFA’s continental confederations.
