Brazil leads FIFA rankings

Brazilian players at a practice session on Tuesday ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Brazil continues to be no. 1 in the latest rankings issued by FIFA. Photo: AP

Record champions Brazil leads the world football rankings issued on Wednesday into the upcoming World Cup in South Africa.

Brazil tops the national team list with 1,611 points from European champions Spain (1,565) and Portugal (1,249).

The Netherlands (1,231), World Cup holders Italy (1,184), 2006 hosts Germany (1,082), Argentina (1,076), England (1,068), France (1,044) and Croatia (1,041) complete the top 10 teams.

South Africa, who host the World Cup, were the biggest risers, up seven places from 90 to 83. The next rankings will be released after the World Cup.