Spain stays top of FIFA world rankings

ZURICH, Switzerland – World and European champion Spain stayed atop FIFA’s mainly unchanged rankings on Wednesday.

The top 10 places remained the same after just 11 international matches were played last month.

The Netherlands was second, ahead of Germany, South American champion Uruguay and England. Brazil, Portugal, Croatia, Italy and Argentina completed the elite places.

Chile moved up one spot to No. 12, trading places with Russia. Switzerland and Sweden also rose one, to Nos. 16 and 17.

Africa Cup of Nations favorite Ivory Coast dropped two to No. 18 before the tournament kickoff on Saturday.

Host teams Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are No. 91 and No. 151, respectively.

Japan leads Asia at No. 19, and No. 21 Mexico heads the CONCACAF teams.