ZURICH (AP) — Belgium, Colombia and Switzerland will be seeded in their World Cup groups after FIFA confirmed new world rankings on Thursday.
FIFA agreed this month that the seven best-ranked nations would be seeded alongside host nation Brazil, which is ranked No. 11.
Long-time leader Spain continues atop the rankings, followed by Germany and Argentina.
Colombia and Belgium rise to No. 4 and 5, respectively.
Uruguay is No. 6 but must still beat Jordan in a playoff next month to reach the World Cup.
Switzerland climbs seven places to No. 7.
Netherlands is No. 8 and will be seeded if Uruguay is eliminated. Italy is tied at No. 8.
In the European playoffs, Portugal, Greece, Croatia and Ukraine will be seeded in next Monday's draw.
Sweden, France, Romania and Iceland are unseeded.
News Topics: Sports, FIFA World Cup, Men's soccer, International soccer, Professional soccer, Soccer, Events, Men's sportsPeople, Places and Companies: Switzerland, Belgium, Colombia, Western Europe, Europe, South America, Latin America and Caribbean
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