ZURICH (AP) — World Cup champion Spain maintained its hold on the top spot in the FIFA rankings, while the United States slipped to No. 25 after having played only exhibition matches since last summer’s tournament in South Africa.
Croatia and Russia returned to the top 10 following victories in 2012 European Championship qualifiers, and France bounced back into the top 20 after an historic low last month.
The Netherlands was second ahead of Brazil, which swapped places with fourth-ranked Germany. Argentina was fifth, followed by England.
Russia’s wins over Ireland and Macedonia lifted it 15 spots to No. 10, dropping African champion Egypt into 11th place. Croatia was ninth.
Slovenia is at a best-ever No. 15, and Australia heads the Asian countries at No. 21.
