Spain first in FIFA rankings; Italy up to second
Fifa Rankings - Sept. 2008
European nations dominate the rankings, with world champion Italy up one place to second as Euro 2008 runner-up Germany dropped to third. The Netherlands and Croatia remained at four and five in front of the top South Americans: Brazil and Argentina at six and seven.
Turkey climbed three places to make the top 10, replacing fellow Euro 2008 semifinalist Russia -down two to No.12.
Cameroon is the leading African nation, climbing one place to No.14 in a swap with England.
Mexico made the biggest move among the leading nations, rising eight places to No.24 to take over from the United States, which is up three at No.28, as top CONCACAF country.
Japan continued to lead the Asian Confederation at No.35, while New Caledonia - up 21 places to No.95 - replaced No.111 New Zealand as the best of the Oceania nations.
Other major movers include Gabon, up 12 to No. 62; Algeria rising 14 to No.76; and Trinidad & Tobago up 12 to No.80.
A total of 89 international matches played in the past month were taken into consideration.
The next rankings due Oct. 8 will include two rounds of qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Europe will be the last continent to begin its program when it kicks off Saturday.
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