Spain tops latest FIFA rankings while Mexico surprisingly drops. US sits 30th

The draw to begin qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is this weekend.  The newest FIFA rankings will be used to assist in the draw.  World and European champion Spain remained at #1 in the rankings released Wednesday.  Netherlands and Germany rounded out the top three in the standings that will be used to help decide seedings in Saturday's World Cup qualifying draw.

Brazil climbed one place to fourth despite only reaching the Copa America quarterfinals, while Copa winner Uruguay rose to fifth, its highest ranking.  6th ranked England and #8 Italy both fell two places, but are assured of top seeding in their qualifying groups.  Portugal (No. 7), Croatia (#9), Norway (#12) and Greece (#13) completed the list of nine European countries set for top seedings. France will be in a pool of second-seeded teams, which also includes 2018 World Cup host Russia and fast-improving Montenegro.

The Copa America was instrumental in shaking up the rankings.  Argentina stayed at #10 after it was eliminated in the quarterfinals as the Copa America host. Chile rose 16 spots to #11, and beaten finalist Paraguay climbed six to #26.  Copa America semifinalists Peru (rising 24 places to #25) and Venezuela (up 29 to #40th) made the biggest moves in the top 100.

The FIFA rankings can be silly as well.  Mexico won the CONCACAF Gold Cup last month, but fell 11 places to #20 after poor Copa America results with a young team of backups. Simply ridiculous that Mexico is ranked so low.  The US also fell despite being the Gold Cup runnerup and comes in a wildly low #30.

Ivory Coast led the African nations at No. 14, and Asian Cup champion Japan heads its continent at #16. Elsewhere, controversial 2022 World Cup host Qatar is up four places to #90. A total of 175 national teams will take part in the 2014 qualifying tournament that will be drawn Saturday in Rio de Janeiro.