ZURICH, July 30: Mexico soared to fifth in the FIFA world rankings after they won the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over World Cup winners Brazil.

While Mexico jumped six places to leapfrog Argentina (sixth) and Germany (eighth) in the standings, Italy slipped down three spots to 14th.

Brazil remain on top with 848 points, while Confederations Cup champions France remain second on 824.

Leading FIFA world soccer rankings (May’s position in brackets):

1. (1) Brazil 848 points; 2. (2) France 824; 3. (3) Spain 755; 4. (5) Netherlands 750; 5. (11 equal) Mexico 749; 6. (4) Argentina 746; 7. (7) Turkey 738; 8. (6) Germany 736; 9. (9) United States 731; 10. (8) England 726; 11. (10) Czech Republic 711; 12 equal. (13) Denmark 709, 12 equal. (16) Cameroon 709; 14. (11 equal) Italy 708; 15. (14) Ireland 702; 16. (15) Portugal 686; 17. (18 equal) Costa Rica 684; 18. (17) Belgium 670; 19. (18 equal) Sweden 662; 20. (20) Paraguay 651.—Reuters

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