Boyz fall nine places in FIFA rankings, Argentina lead

ZURICH (AP):

Following their latest dismal showings in World Cup qualifying matches against Panama and Haiti, Jamaica's Reggae Boyz have fallen nine places to 80th in the latest FIFA Coca Cola World football rankings.

Meanwhile, Brazil's victories in World Cup qualifying this month lifted it from ninth to number four, while Argentina still lead.

Brazil beat Ecuador and Colombia, which is tied for fourth place, to make the biggest move in the top 20 after global rounds of World Cup qualifiers.

Belgium stays at number two, edging number three Germany, which climbs one place. European Championship semi-finalist Wales returns to the top 10, ahead of Spain, England, and Italy at numbers 11-13.

Mexico leads CONCACAF teams at number 15, Costa Rica, is number 18, and the United States rises four to number 22.

CUte d'Ivoire is Africa's highest team at number 34. Iran leads Asian nations at number 37.

Kosovo's 1-1 draw in Finland lifts FIFA's newest member to number 68.

Rankings (August position in parentheses):

1. Argentina (1)

2. Belgium (2)

3. Germany (4)

4. Colombia (3)

(tie) Brazil (9)

6. Chile (5)

7. Portugal (6)

8. France (7)

9. Uruguay (12)

10. Wales (11)

11. Spain (8)

12. England (13)

13. Italy (10)

14. Croatia (15)

15. Mexico (14)

16. Switzerland (18)

17. Poland (16)

18. Costa Rica (21)

19. Ecuador (17)

20. Hungary (19)

80. Jamaica (71)