Spain Rules FIFA Rankings, Again

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas holds up the trophy after the World Cup final soccer match between the Netherlands and Spain at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa, Sunday, July 11, 2010. Spain won 1-0. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Spain, fresh off its World Cup victory, finished on top of the world. It is the third year in a row that Spain has topped the list.

Brazil was ranked fourth -- behind the Netherlands and Germany -- and, Brazil's eternal South American rival, Argentina ranked fifth.

The U.S. jumped six slots to tie with France for 18th in the world. Mexico finished at 27th.

The U.S. finished at the top of the CONCACAF conference where both teams compete.

Meanwhile, Spain, fresh off its World Cup victory, finished on top of the world. It is the third year in a row that Spain has topped the list.

FIFA announced the updated rankings Wednesday.

The Netherlands, which lost to Spain in July's final, is second while Germany has moved ahead of Brazil into third since last month.

Egypt climbs one place to No. 9, while Australia drops six spots to No. 26 but still tops the Asian confederation.

One of the biggest movers over the last year has been Montenegro, which has soared to No. 25 from No. 74.

Russia, which won the right to host the 2018 World Cup earlier this month, stays at No. 13, while 2022 host Qatar drops a place to No. 114.

Based on reporting by the Associated Press.