Mexico on move in FIFA rankings

Mexico are back in the top 10 in the FIFA world rankings for the first time in almost four years following their CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph.

Mexico came from two goals down to stun the United States 4-2 in the Gold Cup final on Saturday, completing a stunning run of six wins from six games at the tournament.

As a consequence, El Tri have risen 19 places to ninth in the latest rankings issued by FIFA, the first time they have sat inside the top 10 since July 2007.

They could be set for an assault on the top five if they can carry their winning form through the Copa America, which gets underway in Argentina from Saturday.

Only world number one Spain and second-placed Netherlands have retained their positions in the top 10 following a month that included the Gold Cup, 61 friendlies and 48 qualifiers for confederation championships.

Brazil have dropped to fifth from third, a spot now occupied by Germany following wins at Austria and Azerbaijan in European 2012 qualifiers.

England have risen two places to fourth and Italy three places to sixth, followed by Portugal (7th, up one) and Croatia (8th, up two).

Argentina have plummeted five places to 10th in the rankings owing to a pair of friendly losses at Nigeria and Poland, though they will surely make up ground at the Copa America.

The decision to devalue the group-stage matches at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa cost some nations dearly, particularly Uruguay, who fall 11 places to 18th.

Montenegro (16th, up eight spots) and Ivory Coast (14th, up seven) have both reached their best-ever rankings since the system was introduced.

The next month will be crucial for all teams, as the July edition of the rankings will serve as the basis for the preliminary draw for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.