US returns to FIFA top 20 after 2-year absence

By foxsports
Published

The United States is rewarded for winning the Gold Cup last month by reaching its highest place in the FIFA rankings for more than two years.

The U.S. rose three places in the rankings released Thursday to No. 19, where it also placed in March 2011. The Americans replace No. 20 Mexico as CONCACAF's highest placed team for the first time since 2011.

With European teams inactive last month, Spain leads an unchanged top 10. Germany is second and Colombia is No. 3.

Confederations Cup winner Brazil remains at No. 9.

Ivory Coast is still Africa's highest-ranked team though it drops five places to No. 18.

Japan leads Asian nations at No. 37.

Panama, which beat Mexico in a Gold Cup semifinal , rises 11 places to No. 40.