Spain tops FIFA rankings, US holds firm at No. 18

ZURICH (AP) — World Cup champion Spain remained atop FIFA’s rankings, while the United States held firm at No. 18.

Germany and England have risen in Wednesday’s rankings after back-to-back wins in European Championship qualifiers.

France, which lost a home Euro 2012 qualifier against Belarus, dropped to No. 27 — its worst position since rankings were introduced in 1993.

Spain’s lead narrowed over the Netherlands, and Germany is No. 3, dropping Brazil to No.4.

Argentina stays at No. 5, with England now sixth ahead of Uruguay. Portugal, African champion Egypt and Chile complete the top 10.

Norway and Slovakia used a pair of Euro 2012 wins to jump to No. 14 and No. 16, respectively.

Switzerland, Australia and Russia dropped out of the top 20.