Ukraine loss drops USA one spot to 14th in FIFA rankings
The USA's loss to Ukraine resulted in a one-place drop in the newest FIFA rankings. (Petros Karadjias/AP)
The U.S. national team's loss to Ukraine resulted in a one-place drop in the latest FIFA rankings, which were released Thursday. Jurgen Klinsmann's side is 14th in the world after the 2-0 defeat in Cyprus but still the highest-ranking team in CONCACAF, though Mexico closed the gap some with a one-place rise to 20th overall.
Defending World Cup and European champion Spain remains in first after a friendly win over Italy, with the top five (Spain, Germany, Argentina, Portugal and Colombia, respectively) remaining unchanged.
In addition to Germany and Portgual, the USA's other opponent this summer, Ghana, climbed two spots to 35th despite a friendly loss to Montenegro. The Black Stars are sandwiched in between CONCACAF's other World Cup-bound teams, Costa Rica and Honduras.
STRAUS: Reaction to the USA's loss to Ukraine
Other notables include:
- The rankings for the USA's send-off series opponents -- Turkey (38, up four places), Nigeria (47, unchanged), Azerbaijan (91, up two places)
- The ranking for World Cup host and favorite Brazil -- 9th
- Lowest-ranked team in the World Cup -- Australia (63)
- Highest-ranked team not in the World Cup -- Ukraine (18)
- Lowest-ranked team in the World -- Tie between Bhutan, San Marino, Turks and Caicos (207)
