Brazil at historic low No. 22 in FIFA rankings

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Zurich • Brazil has dropped to a historic low of No. 22 in the FIFA rankings a year out from hosting the World Cup, and the United States has moved up one spot to No. 28.

Brazil fell three places this month as it continues to play only exhibition matches. They score less than competitive matches in FIFA's calculations, which have ranked teams since 1993 across a four-year results cycle.

The South American country can make up ground when it hosts the eight-nation Confederations Cup warm-up event this month. World and European champion Spain stays top. Germany, Argentina and Croatia are next.

The Netherlands rose four spots to No. 5. England dropped two to No. 9. Portugal (No. 6), Colombia (No. 7), Italy (No. 8) and Ecuador (No. 10) round out the top 10.