Brazil soar, England tumble in latest FIFA rankings
World and European champion Spain tops the rankings despite losing the final last Sunday. Italy, third-placed at the Confederations Cup, climbs to No. 6. Uruguay rises seven to No. 12 after finishing fourth.
Confederations Cup champions Brazil climbed up 13 places to ninth in the latest FIFA world rankings released on Thursday, while England continued their slide as they dropped down to 15th.
Despite a heavy defeat against hosts Brazil, who secured a record third straight Confederations Cup title, in Sunday's final, Spain continue to lead the way atop the rankings ahead of Germany and Colombia, with the South American nation moving into the top three for the first time after rising four spots.
Argentina dropped one place to fourth, but the biggest losers inside the top 10 were England as Roy Hodgson's side fell six places after consecutive draws against Montenegro, the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.
England's ranking is their lowest since failing to qualify for the 2008 European Championship and could severely harm their World Cup seeding hopes should they qualify for next year's tournament in Brazil.
Copa America title-holders Uruguay jumped seven places to 12th after their run to the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup, while Belgium made the top 10 for the first time as neighbours France fell outside the top 20.
Rankings as of July 4:
1. Spain
2. Germany
3. Colombia (+4 places)
4. Argentina (-1)
5. Netherlands
6. Italy (+2)
7. Portugal (-1)
8. Croatia (-4)
9. Brazil (+13)
10. Belgium (+2)
11. Greece (+5)
12. Uruguay (+7)
13. Ivory Coast
14. Bosnia-Herzegovina (+1)
15. England (-6)
16. Switzerland (-2)
17. Russia (-6)
18. Ecuador (-8)
19. Peru (+11)
20. Mexico (-3)
21. Chile (+4)
22. USA (+6)
23. France (-5)
24. Ghana (-3)
25. Norway (+4)