NYON, Switzerland, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. men's soccer team returned to the FIFA Top 20 Thursday, a ranking led by Spain for a 23rd consecutive month.
The U.S. team won its fifth CONCACAF Gold Cup -- but first since 2007 -- defeating Panama 1-0 in the final July 28. The victory was the Americans' record 11th consecutive win.
That allowed the U.S. team to move up three places to 19th in the FIFA rankings. It is the first Top 20 appearance for the United States in 2 1/2 years.
Much of that period has seen Spain in the No. 1 position in the rankings. Even with a loss of 48 ranking points, Spain has a 227-point edge over second-ranked Germany.
There were no changes in the FIFA men's Top 10 this month with Colombia in third place with 1,219 points and Argentina (1,201) in fourth.
The Netherlands remains fifth with 1,165 points followed by Italy with 1,142. No. 7 Portugal (1,099) is one point up on eighth-ranked Croatia and 10 points ahead of No. 9 Brazil. Belgium, with 1,079 points, completes the Top 10.
The FIFA world rankings are determined by points awarded from match results in a three-year period, with more recent games given greater weight. Teams get additional points for playing relatively strong opponents. The next ranking update is scheduled for Sept. 12.
