ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) -- The United States moved up one place and into a three-way tie for sixth in FIFA's rankings released Wednesday, matching the highest spot the Americans have held.

Brazil maintained the top spot it has held since July 2002, a month after it won its record fifth World Cup. The Czech Republic remained second, followed by the Netherlands, Argentina and France.


The United States shared No. 6 with Mexico and Spain, which was tied for fifth with France in the January rankings. The Americans also were sixth last July.

Egypt, which won its fifth African Cup of Nations title on Friday, rose 15 places to 17th, its highest position in eight years. Nigeria moved up 12 positions to 12th while African Cup semifinalist Cameroon gained seven spots to 16th.

The next list will be released on March 15.

1 Brazil
2 Czech Republic
3 The Netherlands
4 Argentina
5 France
6 Spain
6 Mexico
6 USA
9 England
10 Portugal

11 Turkey
12 Nigeria
12 Italy
14 Denmark
15 Sweden
16 Cameroon
17 Egypt
18 Japan
19 Greece
19 Germany

21 Uruguay
22 Iran
23 Tunisia
23 Croatia
25 Costa Rica
26 Poland
27 Colombia
27 Republic of Ireland
29 Senegal
30 Romania
31 Korea Republic
32 Cote D'Ivoire
33 Paraguay
34 Russia
35 Saudi Arabia
36 Morocco
37 Switzerland
38 Ecuador
39 Norway
40 Bulgaria
41 Ukraine

42 Honduras
43 Jamaica
44 Israel
45 Slovakia
46 Finland
47 Serbia and Montenegro
48 Ghana
48 Australia
50 South Africa
51 Trinidad and Tobago