NYON, Switzerland, July 5 (UPI) -- Brazil's victory over Spain allows the Brazilians to re-enter FIFA's men's Top 10 and Colombia moves to a highest-ever No. 3 ranking this month.
Spain, even with a 3-0 loss to Brazil in the final of the FIFA Confederations Cup, retains the No. 1 ranking with Germany still second. However, both teams saw their rankings points total drop this month.
Colombia, with a 0-0 draw against Argentina among its recent results, climbs four places to third in the rankings, its best ranking ever. Argentina is just two rankings points behind, however.
Italy, which joined Uruguay (going from 19th to No. 12), Brazil and Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals, moves up two places to sixth. Belgium, at No. 10, makes the Top 10 for the first time.
Brazil gains 223 points this month in soaring from 22nd to No. 9.
England, down six places to 15th, and Ecuador, off eight spots to 18th, fall out of the Top 10 for July.
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 Aug. 8.
The FIFA men's Top 10, with rankings points totals and change from the previous ranking:
1. Spain, 1,532, unchanged
2. Germany, 1,273, unchanged
3. Colombia, 1,206, up 4
4. Argentina, 1,204, down 1
5. Netherland, 1,180, unchanged
6. Italy, 1,142, up 2
7. Portugal, 1,099, down 1
8. Croatia, 1,098, down 4
9. Brazil, 1,095, up 13
10. Belgium, 1,079, up 2
