London: Spain continue to hold a comfortable lead over second-placed Germany in the Fifa ranking, with Argentina occupying the third podium spot.
England remain in fourth position, only just holding off Italy.
Colombia are the only other non-European team in the top 10, with the South Americans sitting sixth in the table. Portugal, Netherlands, Croatia and Russia complete the top 10, in that order.
Cote d`Ivoire are Africa`s highest ranked representative in 13th place, while 2014 World Cup hosts, Brazil, have to settle for 18th position.
Meanwhile, 26th-placed Japan are flying the flag for Asia, well ahead of Australia and Korea Republic.
The main changes are to be found lower down the ranking following the opening qualifiers for the AFC Challenge Cup 2014, with Afghanistan and India among the biggest climbers.
Goal.com
First Published: Friday, March 15, 2013, 09:30