Overview
- Spain remains top ahead of Argentina, France and England, with Brazil rising to fifth and Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia completing the top 10.
- The United States jumps two spots to 14th, overtakes Mexico for Concacaf’s lead and reaches a U.S.-record 1,681.88 ranking points.
- A rotated U.S. side thrashed Uruguay 5-1 in Tampa, tying the program’s largest margin over a top-15 opponent despite several regulars missing as Mauricio Pochettino made nine changes.
- The rankings determine seeding for the World Cup group draw in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 5, placing Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Belgium and Germany as top seeds alongside hosts USA, Mexico and Canada.
- DR Congo (56) and Iraq (58) are assured places in the inter-confederation playoff finals, Italy must seek qualification via the European playoff route after losing to Norway, and playoff draws are set for Thursday in Zurich with inter-confederation matches in Guadalajara and Monterrey.