US jumps 2 spots to No. 15 in FIFA world rankings

ZURICH — The United States moved up two places to No. 15 in the FIFA world rankings Wednesday, while Spain, Germany and the Netherlands remained 1-2-3.

This is the highest ranking for the U.S. since July 2007. The Americans are seeking a sixth straight World Cup berth and defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 in a qualifier last week in Nashville, Tenn.

Spain is unbeaten in 31 games and has been No. 1 for 10 straight months. The European champions defeated Turkey at home and away in the past month to extend their lead over Germany to 367 points, the most enjoyed by any team since the rankings started in 1993.

Brazil moved up one spot to overtake World Cup champion Italy, which last week was held to a 1-1 tie against Ireland in a World Cup qualifier. Argentina remained sixth despite being routed 6-1 at Bolivia.

The rest of the top 10 changed following a month containing two rounds of World Cup qualifiers and a total of 109 international games.

England progressed two spots to seventh to keep its World Cup qualifying record perfect under coach Fabio Capello, pushing Croatia and Russia down a spot each. France jumped two places to round out the top 10 after a pair of 1-0 wins over Lithuania.

Cameroon remained the highest ranked African nation despite slipping three rungs to No. 19 following a 1-0 loss at Togo. Toga made the biggest advance, up to No. 65. Australia is the highest-ranked team from the Asian confederation at No. 32.