Zurich: Argentina returned to the top of football's world rankings on Wednesday, with World Cup champion Italy dropping two places to third.
Argentina climbed one spot after wins over Chile and Venezuela in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. Brazil beat Ecuador 5-0 and drew at Colombia to also climb one place.
Italy played just one game in European Championship qualifying, although they did beat Georgia 2-0. Their minor decline was because victories from previous years, especially their win against Ukraine in October 2006, are now worth fewer points.
Argentina have 1,533 points, 74 more than Brazil and 146 more than Italy. France rose two places to fourth, while Germany dropped a spot to fifth despite securing their place at next year's European Championship.
Spain, Netherlands, Portugal, Czech Republic and Croatia rounded out the top 10, with England dropping two spots to No. 11 after a 2-1 loss at Russia that put their qualification for Euro 2008 in doubt.
Russia were the biggest climber in the top 50, moving up 10 places to 16th - their best placing in 10 years.
Scotland rose to 13th, two places behind traditional rival England, for their highest position since FIFA introduced its rankings in 1993.
Mexico dropped two spots to 15th but were still three places above the United States, which stayed fixed at No. 18.
Nigeria climbed four to 19th and stayed the highest ranked African team, while No. 30 Japan were the best Asian team.
India have maintained their 145th rank.
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