Germany top FIFA World Ranking as Brazil slips

Thanks to their victory at the just concluded Confederation's Cup in Russia, Germany has now returned to the summit of world football, climbing two places from third to overtake Brazil and Argentina to become best men football team in the latest FIFA World Ranking.

Brazil who had held the No. 1 spot since April, slipped one step down to settle at No. 2 while fellow South American side, Argentina dropped to third from second. 

European champions Portugal, who finished third at the Confederations Cup, climb four places to fourth with Chile falling three places to seventh after winning just one match in Russia even though they reached the final.

Switzerland climb four places into fifth, while Poland moved to their highest-ever ranking of sixth -- up from their previous best of 10th in June.

Colombia, France and Belgium also drop three places, to eighth, ninth and 10th respectively as they complete the top 10.

Peru (14th, up one), Iceland (19th, up three), Northern Ireland (22nd, up six) and Congo DR (28th, up 13) all register their best-ever ranking. 

Sweden moved 16 places from 34th into 18th, while Haiti are up 15 into 49th.

The United States dropped to 36th (down 13) and Netherlands dropped to 32nd, (down one) as they both drop to their equal-worst rankings. Hungary slump 24 places into 57th -- their lowest position for seven years.

Mexico are the top ranked nation in CONCACAF, and remain in 16th, with Costa Rica down sixth to 26th. 

Egypt remain the No. 1 team in Africa, though drop four places to 24th. Senegal are up three in 27th, followed by Congo DR.

In Asia, Iran are still way out in front and moved up another seven places into 23rd in the process of qualifying for the World Cup. Their nearest challengers are Australia (44th, up four) and Japan (45th, non-mover).

The new FIFA Ranking will be officially published on Thursday.

JULY FIFA RANKING TOP 20
1. Germany
2. Brazil
3. Argentina
4. Portugal
5. Switzerland
6. Poland
7. Chile
8. Colombia
9. France
10. Belgium
11. Spain
12. Italy
13. England
14. Peru
15. Croatia
16. Mexico
17. Uruguay
18. Sweden
19. Iceland
20. Wales