Brazil return to top of FIFA rankings

Brazil have regained their mantle as the world's top-ranked national football team as they continue their resurgence under head coach Tite.

The five-time world champions rose to No. 1 for the first time in seven years, swapping places with Argentina, in the latest FIFA rankings published on Thursday.

Tite, who replaced Dunga as Brazil coach after their group-stage elimination from the Copa America last June, has led the Selecao to eight wins in as many matches.

Last week they became the first team to qualify for the World Cup when they defeated Paraguay 3-0 in Sao Paulo.

Germany and Chile remained third and fourth in the standings respectively while Colombia rose two places to fifth.

Italy jumped three rungs to 12th while Uruguay fell six places to 15th.

Other big movers were the USA (up seven spots to 23rd), Northern Ireland (up nine to 26th), the Netherlands (down 11 to 32nd) and Sweden (up 11 to 34th).

China rose five places to 81st following their 1-0 victory over South Korea in a World Cup qualifier.

FIFA Top 10 (previous ranking in brackets), 1. Brazil (2), 2. Argentina (1), 3. Germany (3), 4. Chile (4), 5. Colombia (7), 6. France (6), 7. Belgium (5), 8. Portugal (8), 9. Switzerland (11) and 10. Spain (10)