Spain leads, Argentina rises in FIFA rankings

Clint Dempsey and the U.S. will learn their draw for the Hexagonal on Wednesday.

Jeff Moffett/Icon SMI

ZURICH (AP) -- Spain extended its stay atop the FIFA rankings Wednesday and No. 3 Argentina strengthened its claim as South America's best team.

The United States jumped five places to No. 27

World Cup and European champion Spain is ahead of Germany. Argentina traded places with No. 4 Portugal after beating Uruguay and Chile in World Cup qualifiers last month.

Italy rose three places to No. 5, followed by England and the Netherlands.

Colombia is No. 8, Russia climbed three spots to No. 9 and Croatia completes the top 10.

Uruguay drops four to No. 11, and World Cup host Brazil is up one to No. 13 despite playing only exhibitions.

Mexico rose five to No. 14.

Ivory Coast leads Africa at No. 15 and No. 24 Japan is Asia's best.

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