— (Reuters) The final adjustment to the FIFA World Rankings before the World Cup begins next month saw Spain fall below Italy and Brazil extend their lead at the top.
Brazil will enter the tournament in Qatar next month looking for a record-extending sixth victory. Brazil is the only team to have been in every World Cup final.
After victories in friendlies against Ghana and Tunisia, they will do so with a larger margin over second-placed Belgium, which suffered a Nations League loss to the Netherlands.
Argentina, one of Brazil’s key opponents, held onto third place, followed by the world champions France and England, who finished second in the Euro 2020 tournament.
Italy, who failed to go to the World Cup finals once more, received some good news as they passed Spain and moved up to sixth place.
Serbia moved up to 21st, Iran moved up two slots to 20th, and Croatia moved up three spots to 12th in the list of teams headed to the World Cup.
Spain falls behind Italy in the global standings.
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