U.S. climbs to 21st in FIFA rankings

Oct 8, 2008 - 8:05 PM ZURICH, Switzerland (Ticker) -- The United States climbed seven spots to 21st in the latest FIFA world rankings released Wednesday.

It is the highest ranking in four months for the Americans, who posted a 1-0 victory over Cuba in a World Cup qualifier in Havana last month.

The Cubans, who are ranked 98th, visit the Americans this Saturday in Washington.

Reigning Euro 2008 champion Spain remained atop the rankings with 1,643 points, nearly 300 ahead of second-place Italy.

Germany, the Euro runner-up, remained third while Brazil climbed two spots to fourth. The Netherlands and Croatia fell to fifth and sixth, respectively, while Argentina, the Czech Republic, Russia and Portugal rounded out the top 10.

Canada fell three spots to 84th after losing a pair of World Cup qualifiers last month. Four days after squandering a halftime lead in a 2-1 loss to Honduras, the Canadians dropped a 2-1 decision to Mexico on September 10.