FIFA boost for Belgium, Colombia in deciding to seed World Cup groups by world ranking

ZURICH – Top seeds in the 2014 World Cup groups will be host Brazil and the seven highest-ranked teams in the October standings.

The system decided by FIFA's executive committee Friday means Belgium and Colombia are almost assured of being seeded in the Dec. 6 draw if they advance as expected this month. Both failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.

The current top seven teams are Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Colombia, Belgium and Uruguay. Brazil is ranked No. 8.

FIFA said the other three draw pots in the 32-team tournament will be determined by "geographic and sports criteria."

FIFA is using a simple reference to its world rankings and not weighing teams' performances at previous World Cups. The governing body will publish the next rankings Oct. 17.