U.S. remains 12th in FIFA rankings

ZURICH — The United States remained 12th in the August FIFA rankings following its 5-0 loss to Mexico in last month's final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Americans would have moved into the top 10 had it not been for the big defeat against its regional rival, FIFA said Wednesday.

South American champion Brazil retained the top spot, which it regained for the first time in two years last month following its 3-2 victory over the United States in the final of the Confederations Cup.

European champion Spain stayed in second, followed by the Netherlands, and Germany moved ahead of world champion Italy into fourth. The rest of the top 10 was unchanged, with Russia in sixth, followed by England, Argentina, France and Croatia.

Canada was the biggest mover, climbing 26 places to 66th. Grenada (113th) and the Netherlands Antilles (165th) had the biggest slides, each falling 25 places.